Issaquah, Skyline grads selected in MLB Draft

Issaquah High School graduate Brian Justice was selected as the 820th pick in the 27th round of the Major League Baseball Draft Wednesday afternoon by the Toronto Blue Jays.

Justice, a member of the Eagle's 2004 state championship team, played the last two seasons at Saint Mary's College in Moraga, Calif. Before that he played at Treasure Valley Community College in Ontario, Ore.

Justice boasted a 6-3 record for the Gaels in his senior season, and was named to the All-West Coast Conference Team. He set career highs in strikeouts (58), ERA (4.31) and innings pitched (77.1).

In 12 starts, the 23-year-old struck out five or more batters six times, and led Saint Mary's with a 3.7 strikeout to base-on-ball ratio. According to the Saint Mary's Web site, he finished his career as a Gael with a 4.71 ERA and a 10-7 record. He had 103 strikeouts and 48 walks in more than 154 innings.

“I couldn’t be more proud of Brian,” head coach Jedd Soto said, in a release. “From his work ethic and development to the way he bounced back from Tommy John surgery, to be our Friday guy was really special. Due to his location, he should have a smooth transition to the minors.”

Justice will join three other Issaquah graduates who are playing in the Minor Leagues. Colin Curtis is currently playing on the New York Yankee's AA team in Trenton, N.J., Matt Wickswat is playing for the Chicago White A affiliate in Great Falls, Mont., and Lindsay Gulin is playing for the Milwaukee Brewers AAA affiliate in Nashville, Tenn.

Skyline's Decater selected in 43rd round

Skyline graduate Brad Decater was selected as the 1,286th pick in the 43rd round of the MLB Draft by the Baltimore Orioles. Decater, a shortstop, just finished his sophomore season at Cuesta College in San Luis Obispo, Calif. He hit .330, with a team-high seven home runs and 60 RBI.