Westmont pitchers Russell Harmening, Andrew Vasquez and Hector Lujan were selected in the 2015 First-Year Player’s Draft which concluded today.
“I am very excited for each of the three players in our program that were selected in this year’s draft,” said Westmont head coach Robert Ruiz. “Each of these individuals possess a unique skillset that should serve them well in their pursuit of a professional career. I am thankful that the organizations who selected them saw their potential and am confident that they will represent our program and college well in their professional careers.”
In addition, Westmont incoming freshman Taylor Bush — brother of Alex Bush — was selected in the 36th round by the Washington Nationals. Bush has committed to Westmont and is not expected to sign with the major league club.
Harmening, who has one more year of eligibility with the Warriors, was taken in the 26th round by the Nationals. The Golden State Athletic Conference Player of the Year posted an ERA of 1.59 last season while producing a record of 10-3. In 16 appearances, Harmening struck out 95 and walked just 17 batters. Harmening is the Westmont record holder in career wins with 28.
While Ruiz is excited about the opportunity Harmening has to get an early start on his professional baseball career, Ruiz would welcome the two-time Capital One Academic All-American® back to Russ Carr Field to play his senior year with the Warriors and complete his undergraduate education.
Andrew Vasquez was picked up in the 32nd second round of the draft by the Minnesota Twins. Vasquez put up a record of 7-1 for the Warriors this season and produced an ERA of 3.06. The left-hander led the Warriors in strikeouts with 124. Opposing hitters managed a batting average against him of just .152.
Lujan was also selected by the Twins, going in the 35th round. Lujan saw 23 innings of work in relief collecting four saves and posting a record of 2-3. Opposing hitters batted .177 against him. Along with an ERA of 4.5, Lujan recorded 25 strikeouts and 15 walks. Lujan also has a year of eligibility remaining but is expected to sign to play with the Twins.
This year’s draft picks have the opportunity to join two other Warriors competing in minor league baseball. Brandon Gildea was drafted by the Los Angeles Angels last season and is currently playing for the Class A Burlington Bees. Tim Crabbe was a sixth-round 2009 draft pick by the Cincinnati Reds. Crabbe is playing for Triple-A Reno Aces, an Arizona Diamondbacks affiliate.
