Nov. 22, 2010

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Samford sophomore pitcher Lex Rutledge was ranked 12th out of 200 players in the All-American Athletic Foundation's list of the top prospects for the 2012 Major League Baseball Draft.

The list was released Monday on the All-American Athletic Foundation's website. Rutledge was the highest rated player both in the state of Alabama and the Southern Conference.

Rutledge, who came to Samford from Tupelo, Miss., had a stellar freshman season for the Bulldogs in 2010. Serving as the team's closer, Rutledge tied a Samford record with 11 saves. He also posted a record of 5-1 and an impressive 1.71 ERA in 47.1 innings of work. He also led the team in strikeouts with 65 on the season.

At the conclusion of the season, Rutledge was named second-team All-Conference in the Southern Conference. He was also named to the SoCon's All-Freshman team.

Rutledge spent the first part of the summer playing for the Harwich Mariners in the Cape Cod League, and then he went on to participate in the trials for the 2010 USA Baseball Collegiate National Team.