Kopach, Frega selected in 12th round of MLB first-year draft         

[JUNE 7, 2006]  NORMAL -- Juniors Kitt Kopach and Dan Frega have been pitching at Illinois State for three seasons in hopes of someday becoming professional baseball players. On Tuesday, each got his wish as the two Redbird hurlers were selected in the 12th round of Major League Baseball's first-year player draft.

With the two selections this year, ISU has now had seven pitchers selected in the draft since 2003.

Kopach was selected by the Chicago Cubs with the 359th pick overall. The Darien native struggled on the mound in 2006 with a 3-9 record but posted a team-low 4.17 earned run average and was second on the team with 59 strikeouts. Featuring a strong right arm, Kopach struck out 98 hitters in three seasons with the Redbirds and posted a 7-13 record with a 4.19 earned run average in 146 innings pitched.

Frega was selected quickly after his teammate by the Cleveland Indians with the 371st pick overall. The right-hander from Lombard appeared in 24 games for the Redbirds in 2006 and was 1-4 with a 5.60 earned run average. The 2006 Missouri Valley Conference Scholar-Athlete honorable mention selection [related article] finished the season strong, as he gave up just three earned runs in his final 17 innings pitched. Over three seasons at ISU, Frega posted a 5-11 record while striking out 100 batters in 152 1/3 innings on the mound.

The two-day Major League Baseball draft concludes Wednesday.

[Illinois State University news release from Mike Williams]

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