AZUSA, Calif. -- Azusa Pacific senior pitcher Chad Clark was selected today in the 21st round of the 2003 Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft by the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Clark, who transferred to Azusa Pacific this Spring after spending 3 seasons at the University of Southern California, was the 636th player selected in the 2-day draft that is still underway. He was the 29th player selected in the 21st of a scheduled 50 rounds.

A graduate of nearby Glendora High, Clark was 2-4 with a 6.87 ERA in 11 appearances (9 starts). In 38 innings, Clark recorded 44 strikeouts, which was third on the staff.

In all, 5 GSAC players have been selected. Clark joins GSAC Player of the Year Jerry Owens from The Master’s College, who was chosen with the final pick of the second round (#57 overall) by the Montreal Expos. Other GSAC players selected include Concordia’s senior shortstop Kevin Rios (26th round, #769 overall, New York Mets), Cal Baptist’s senior pitcher Tony Orozco (34th round, #1013 overall, Florida Marlins), and Biola’s junior pitcher Ryan Klatt (38th round, #1121 overall, San Diego Padres). A total of 33 players from the NAIA ranks were selected in the first 45 rounds.

Clark becomes the second Cougar in as many seasons to be selected. Last year, Eric Ordorica was selected in the 25th round by the Florida Marlins. Ordorica is currently playing with the Greensboro Bats of the Class A South Atlantic League.

For more information on the 2003 MLB First-Year Player Draft, click here.