UNCW’s Taylor, Thach selected in MLB Draft

WILMINGTON, N.C. (WWAY) — Two local baseball players are now one step closer to the big leagues.

UNC-Wilmington’s Zane Taylor and Tanner Thach were taken in the Major League Baseball Draft on Monday.

Taylor was selected in the 5th round (141st overall) by the Athletics. The right-handed pitcher dominated on the mound for the Seahawks last season as the senior boasted a 1.98 ERA. His 70.9% strike rate was the second highest in Division I.

Thach was picked in the 8th round (227th overall) by the Colorado Rockies. The first baseman just finished his junior season, but is already the program’s all-time leader in home runs.

Both players attended the MLB Draft combine in Arizona last month. Taylor threw a fastball that clocked in at 97.3 MPH, which was the fastest pitch at the showcase.

The following Seahawks were taken in the 13th round:

• Catcher Bryan Arendt by the Athletics (380th overall)
• Pitcher Trace Baker by the Toronto Blue Jays (382nd overall)
• Pitcher Aubrey Smith by the Houston Astros (396th overall)

The MLB Draft has 20 rounds.