Mankato, Minn. — Minnesota State junior righthanded pitcher Bret Mitchell (Lakeville, Minn.) has been selected by the New York Mets in the 12th round (362nd overall) in the 2010 Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft.

Mitchell finished 2010 with a 10-4 record in 14 starts with a 4.31 earned run average and 108 strike outs in 94.0 innings pitched. He led MSU in strike outs and his ten wins tied for the team lead.  He finished the year ranking second on the team in innings and starts.

Mitchell, whose 108 strike outs this year established a MSU single-season record, was named to the 2010 NSIC All-Tournament Team and was an All-NSIC Second Team pick.  He also was selected to  three all-region teams when he was named Second Team All-Region by Daktronics, Rawlings/ABCA and NCBWA.  He garnered NSIC Pitcher of the Week honors after crafting a nine-inning complete game shut-out in a 4-0 win over Ashland (Ohio) March 9th in Florida. Mitchell scattered four hits and walked one batter while striking out 11 in the win.  Mitchell struck out an individual-high 11 batters on four occasions during the course of the season.

Beginning with Jerry Terrell in 1968 when he was drafted by the Minnesota Twins in the 18th round, 407th overall, Mitchell’s selection brings the total number of MSU players selected in the history of the MLB draft to 31.  An all-time list of MSU's draftees and free agent signees is located here.

The 2010 MLB Draft, which goes 45 rounds, iis scheduled to conclude tomorrow.

MSU, which claimed the 2010 NSIC regular-season and post-season tournament titles, captured the 2010 NCAA Central Region and advanced to the NCAA National Championship tournament this year.  The Mavericks finished the 2011 season with a 44-16 overall record.

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