Mountaineers pitchers Donato, Smith chosen on Day 3 of MLB draft

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — West Virginia pitchers Chad Donato and Blake Smith were selected in the Major League Baseball amateur draft Saturday, as was high school signee Jordan Scott.

Donato, a junior right-hander who ranked among the Big 12 strikeout leaders the past two season, was drafted by his hometown Houston Astros in the 11th round at No. 337 overall.

He faces a July 15 signing deadline, as does Scott, an infielder from Eagle’s Landing Christian Academy in Stockbridge, Ga., whom the Yankees chose in the 14th round.

Smith, a senior who served as the Mountaineers’ closer this season, went to the Los Angeles Angels in the 29th round with the 876th pick.

Named All-Big 12 this season, Donato finished with a 3-4 record and a 3.27 ERA with 111 strikeouts that matched the fifth-most in WVU history. His ERA in conference action was 1.96 ERA.

“I am more than blessed to be picked in the 2016 draft, and better yet by my hometown team, the Houston Astros,” Donato said. “It’s been my lifelong dream to become a professional baseball player. I want to thank all of my coaches along the way and especially the West Virginia family and staff. Thank you for everything you’ve done to make my lifelong dream come true. Once a Mountaineer, always a Mountaineer. Hail WVU!”

Smith finished 5-2 with eight saves and a team-leading 2.20 ERA in 25 appearances. The Tyler, Texas, native fanned 42 batters in 32 2/3 innings and limited opponents to a .214 average.

“I couldn’t be more excited to start my professional career,” said Smith. “It’s something that I’ve dreamed about for a while now and I’m just ready to get there and get started. Thanks to my Mountaineer family for everything during my two years at WVU. I couldn’t have made it to this point without them and I am very grateful for the opportunity that they gave me.”

Smith followed in the footsteps of his older brother Burch, a former Oklahoma standout who was drafted in the 14th round of the 2011 draft by the Padres.





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