Christian Tripp Selected by Mets in 2018 MLB Entry Draft

NEW YORK, N.Y. — Junior pitcher Christian Tripp has been selected by the New York Mets with the sixth pick of the 13th round (380th overall), becoming the 85^th Lobo to be selected in the draft.  Tripp, who can return to UNM for his senior year, is expected to sign and report to the club.
 
Tripp’s selection makes him the 19th Lobo selected in the MLB Entry Draft since the 2013 season, and it marked the 10th year in 11 for Lobo head coach Ray Birmingham that one of his players was selected.
 
Tripp has had a remarkable three-year career with New Mexico, one that includes a Mountain West Tournament Championship in 2016 and a Mountain West regular season title in 2017.  Over his career he made 71 appearances, all in relief, making at least 20 in all three seasons.  His high-water mark was 27 appearances in 2016 as a freshman.
 
Overall, he was 4-8 with a 4.07 ERA and 18 saves, the second-most in school history.  However, he took his game to another level in 2018, changing his delivery slightly was amazing results.  He pitched in 21 games, totaling 27 innings, allowing just 23 hits and 11 walks while striking out 29.  He allowed just two extra base hits on the season.  In fact, over his final 387 batters faced, despite pitching at elevation, he allowed just two home runs.
 
Tripp finished his Lobo career sixth all-time in appearances with 71, and second in saves with 18.  His eight saves in 2018 were a career-high and the fourth-most in a single season in UNM history.