Former Hancock Pitcher Nathan Thompson Drafted by Houston Astros

The Houston Astros selected former Allan Hancock College pitcher Nathan Thompson in the 27^th round of the 2016 Major League Baseball Draft on Saturday. The left-handed pitcher was the 817^th overall pick in the First-Year Player Draft. Thompson just finished his senior season at Oklahoma Baptist University where he helped the Bison win the National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA) national championship. 

The Santa Ynez High School graduate went 8-3 in 15 starts for Oklahoma Baptist. He allowed 66 hits in 96 innings and posted a 2.81 ERA. The lefty struck out a team-high 126 batters and walked just 34. Thompson threw five complete games, including one shutout. He limited opposing hitters to a .195 batting average. Thompson threw a no-hitter and struck out 16 in Oklahoma Baptist's 10-0 win over McMurry in the NCCAA Central Regional Championship. He started and tossed seven solid innings in the national championship game and received a no-decision the Bison's 8-4 win over Bethesda. OBU is transitioning to the NCAA Division II-level, so its teams are not eligible for NCAA postseason. OBU teams can qualify for postseason tournaments in the NCCAA during the transition.

Thompson was a two-time All-Western State Conference First Team pitcher for Hancock in 2013-14. He ranks eighth all-time in Hancock history with 173.1 innings pitched and 143 strikeouts. He went 6-4 with a 2.49 and 69 strikeouts his sophomore season for the Bulldogs. The lefty posted a 6-3 mark with 74 strikeouts over 83 innings his freshman season.

Thompson became the first Hancock pitcher drafted since Jordan Sechler, a St. Joseph High School graduate, went to the Atlanta Braves in the 19^th round of the 2013 draft.