La Salle pitcher Pat Christensen was selected by the Houston Astros
Saturday, June 08, 2013
SEACAUCUS, N.J. – La Salle pitcher Pat Christensen was selected by the Houston Astros in the 27th round of the 2013 Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft on Saturday afternoon. The recent graduate was chosen with the 797th overall pick, becoming the first Explorer to hear his name called on draft day since Cody Weiss in 2011.
“We’re extremely excited for Pat to get the opportunity to pitch professionally,” La Salle head coach Mike Lake said. “He’s earned every bit of this opportunity.
“To have a player and person of Pat’s stature at La Salle over the past four years has meant the world to our program. We wish him the best of luck at the next level.”
Christensen finished his career with 44 career saves, good for fifth-most in NCAA Division I history. In addition, the La Jolla, Calif. native posted an all-time program-best 2.73 career ERA. He finished his career second in program history in appearances (105), third in wins (17), and fourth in strikeouts (206).
The La Jolla product was named a first-team All-Atlantic 10 choice this season as well as being named Big 5 Pitcher of the Year. Christensen registered an 0.94 ERA in conference play and recorded a win or save in 17 of La Salle’s 24 victories.
Last week, the right hander achieved Capital One/CoSIDA Academic All-America status after being named an all-district selection the year prior. Christensen earned his third consecutive Big 5 Student-Athlete of the Year recognition as well.
Christensen is now the third Explorer pitcher to be selected in the MLB Draft since 2009. Cody Weiss was a 14th round selection in 2011 while T.J. Chism went in the 32nd round in 2009.
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