WSU Baseball: Claussen, Johnson, Richards Selected in MLB Draft - NBC Right Now/KNDO/KNDU Tri-Cities, Yakima, WA |

At first it was Taylor Ard and Derek Jones. On Wednesday, three more Cougars were selected in the Major League Baseball First-Year Player draft: outfielders Tommy Richards and Kyle Johnson, and third baseman Patrick Claussen.

Richards, from Coeur d'Alene, was taken by the Baltimore Orioles in the 24th round - the fourth pick of the round and 732nd overall. 

"I couldn't be more excited," he said in a statement. "To be taken with other WSU seniors is an honor. I am and always will be a Cougar and it is so cool that a group of us were drafted together."

Johnson was the next player to go, going to the Los Angeles Angels in the 25th round. He was the 19th pick in the round and 777th overall. As a senior, he led the Pac-12 with 17 stolen bases in the regular season and helped the Cougars to a conference-leading 74 steals.

"I'm really happy to have a professional opportunity," said Johnson. 

Claussen, from Renton, Wash., was taken in the 34th round by the Miami Marlins. 

"I'm very blessed and fortunate" said Claussen. "I want to thank all my coaches throughout my career. Once a Cougar, always a Coug."

Claussen batted .301 in his final season at Washington State. His 17 doubles are tied for seventh in the Pac-12.

(with information from Washington State University Athletics)