Durable righthanded pitcher Sam Perez was selected by the Miami Marlins in the 5th round of the Major League Baseball draft Friday.
The Marlins made him the 143rd overall pick. The MSU senior was 8-0 with a 2.86 ERA. He made a school-record 36 appearances in 2016 and finished his career with a scoreless-innings streak of 22 2/3 innings.
An all-Missouri Valley Conference pick, Perez struck out 112 batters in 91.1 innings pitched.
He is the first MSU player to be picked in this year's draft. Outfielder Spencer Johnson and reliever Bryan Young are also expected to hear their name called, along with a few Bears recruits.