FAIRFAX, Va. - George Mason junior pitchers Chris O'Grady and
Brandon Kuter were both selected in the 2012 Major League Baseball First Year
Amateur Draft, held from June 4-6.
O'Grady and Kuter join a list of 52 Patriots who have been
drafted since 1978. Mason has had at least one player drafted in 12 of the past
13 years and since 1985, a Patriot has been selected every year but three.
O'Grady was picked up by the Los Angeles Angels of Annaheim
in the 10th round, becoming the second-highest drafted player in
program history behind Chris Widger, who went to Seattle in the third round of
the 1992 draft. Kuter was drafted by the Texas Rangers in the 29th
round.
"We are extremely excited for both Chris and Brandon," said Mason head coach Bill Brown. "They have each contributed greatly here at Mason, and I look forward to their success at the next level. If Chris and Brandon choose to start a professional career in baseball, I look forward to watching them grow as professional players, as their best years of baseball are
ahead of them."
Moving to a closer role this season, O'Grady tied the school
single-season record with 14 saves while boasting a 1.22 ERA and limiting
opponents to .163 hitting in 37 innings of work. For his efforts he earned
First Team All-CAA honors while also being named to the NCBWA Dick Howser and
Stopper of the Year semifinalist lists.
During the season, O'Grady struck out 51, walked just 20 and
gave up just 20 hits, including just three multiple-base. He currently tops the
single season record book, limiting opposing batters to hitting .163 and six
runs allowed, while the 20 hits allowed 1.22 ERA stand second in the single
season record books.
Over four seasons at Mason, O'Grady has made 52 appearances
with 15 starts, posting a 3.94 ERA and an 8-4 record and striking out 156.
Kuter served as a weekday starter for Mason in 2012, going
3-0 in 11 appearances with eight starts. In 25.2 innings he struck out 29 batters.
He has made 44 appearances with eight starts over three
seasons at Mason, posting a 4-3 record with three saves. Through his career over
59.2 innings pitched, he had 61
strikeouts. Kuter was the top-rated prospect following his play in the Hamptons Collegiate League last summer.
Mason finished its 2012 campaign with a 33-24 overall record
and 16-14 mark in the CAA.
