Merrimack's Mantoni Drafted in 18th Round by Cincinnati Reds

Merrimack baseball senior designated hitter and closer Joe Mantoni (Northbridge, Mass.) was drafted in the 18th round (555th overall) by the Cincinnati Reds on Saturday as part of Major League Baseball's First-Year Player Draft.

Mantoni becomes the first Warrior drafted since the Minnesota Twins selected pitcher Ryan O'Rourke in the 13th round of the 2010 draft.

"We are so proud of Joe and his accomplishment," head coach Jim Martin said afterward. "He is more than deserving of this opportunity. I am sure he is going to continue all of his success with the Reds because of not only his ability, but also because of his character and work ethic."

The Merrimack Athletics Male Scholar Athlete of the Year, Mantoni served as the Warriors' primary designated hitter and closer during his impressive senior campaign, one that culminated in a CoSIDA Third-Team Academic All-American selection. The Northbridge, Mass., native also earned Northeast-10 All-Conference Second Team and All-East Region honors.

Mantoni led the Warriors with 36 RBI on 40 hits, adding 15 doubles, a triple and two homers. In late-game relief situations, the senior was equally stellar. Mantoni led the Warriors with eight saves and boasted a 1.61 ERA and 3-0 record in 19 appearances.

He joins O'Rourke as the only two Warriors active in the professional ranks. In eight appearances with Class-A Advanced affiliate Fort Myers (Minnesota) this season, O'Rourke has gone 5-0 over 14 innings with a 0.00 ERA, 12 strikeouts and a .133 average against.