Boucher and Bonzagni Selected in 2023 MLB Draft
07/12/2023 | 9:35:00 | Baseball
CARBONDALE, Ill. – Southern Illinois baseball saw two of its own selected in the 2023 Major League Baseball Draft Monday and Tuesday. Saluki outfielder Pier-Olivier Boucher was selected in the 10th round (Pick 309) by the Atlanta Braves while right-hander Paul Bonzagni was selected in the 12th round (Pick 351) by the Texas Rangers.
"I am so happy for these guys. Our baseball program is in a better place thanks to guys like Pier and Paul," head coach Lance Rhodes said. "I still believe their best baseball days are ahead of them. The entire Saluki family looks forward to following their success in professional baseball. Both have worked incredibly hard and the opportunity to play professionally is very well deserved."
The duo marks the second and third players selected in the draft under Rhodes, joining Tristan Peters (2021), and the first time that SIU has had multiple players taken in the MLB Draft since 2018.
Boucher, a Saint-Joseph-de-Bauce, Quebec native, was named Second Team All-MVC following a strong season on the diamond. The senior started all 57 games for the Salukis and led SIU in average (.335), slugging (.619), hits (77), runs (46) and stolen bases (19-22). Boucher finished second on the squad in home runs (16) and RBIs (43).
Over his career in maroon & white, Boucher slashed .331/.583/.419 in 109 games over two seasons. He hit 24 homers, drove in 76 runs and stole 29 bases.
Bonzagni saw action in 24 games on the mound in his first season with SIU. The Grapevine, Texas product finished second in the MVC with eight wins while putting together an 8-4 overall record to go with three saves. After starting the first four games of the season, Bonzagni moved to the bullpen where he shined for the Salukis. He finished the season with a 4.94 ERA while striking out 50 batters.
From March 19 to April 18, Bonzagni made nine appearances for the Salukis and went 5-0 with three saves while putting up a 2.21 ERA.
FOLLOW THE SALUKIS
Keep up with all the latest news and information on the Salukis by following the team on Twitter at @SIU_Baseball, on Facebook at Facebook.com/SalukiBaseball, and on Instagram at @SIU_Baseball. Fans can also download the "Salukis" Mobile App on the App Store or Google Play Store.
"I am so happy for these guys. Our baseball program is in a better place thanks to guys like Pier and Paul," head coach Lance Rhodes said. "I still believe their best baseball days are ahead of them. The entire Saluki family looks forward to following their success in professional baseball. Both have worked incredibly hard and the opportunity to play professionally is very well deserved."
The duo marks the second and third players selected in the draft under Rhodes, joining Tristan Peters (2021), and the first time that SIU has had multiple players taken in the MLB Draft since 2018.
Boucher, a Saint-Joseph-de-Bauce, Quebec native, was named Second Team All-MVC following a strong season on the diamond. The senior started all 57 games for the Salukis and led SIU in average (.335), slugging (.619), hits (77), runs (46) and stolen bases (19-22). Boucher finished second on the squad in home runs (16) and RBIs (43).
Over his career in maroon & white, Boucher slashed .331/.583/.419 in 109 games over two seasons. He hit 24 homers, drove in 76 runs and stole 29 bases.
Bonzagni saw action in 24 games on the mound in his first season with SIU. The Grapevine, Texas product finished second in the MVC with eight wins while putting together an 8-4 overall record to go with three saves. After starting the first four games of the season, Bonzagni moved to the bullpen where he shined for the Salukis. He finished the season with a 4.94 ERA while striking out 50 batters.
From March 19 to April 18, Bonzagni made nine appearances for the Salukis and went 5-0 with three saves while putting up a 2.21 ERA.
FOLLOW THE SALUKIS
Keep up with all the latest news and information on the Salukis by following the team on Twitter at @SIU_Baseball, on Facebook at Facebook.com/SalukiBaseball, and on Instagram at @SIU_Baseball. Fans can also download the "Salukis" Mobile App on the App Store or Google Play Store.
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