Three Sacramento State baseball players are now one step closer to their dreams.

On Saturday afternoon, senior second baseman Andrew Ayers and juniors outfielder Justin Higley and starting pitcher Tanner Mendonca were all selected in the 2013 MLB Draft. All three said they will sign with their respective organizations before the July 12 deadline.

Higley was the first Hornet chosen when his name was selected in the 13th round by the Oakland Athletics.

“I’m just happy that someone put their faith in me,” Higley said. “It is ironic because I grew up as a San Francisco Giants fan. It’ll be a little weird cheering for the A’s, but I’m happy.”

Higley only batted .251 his junior season, but hit a team-high 10 home runs and drove in 28 RBIs. He was consistent with a .973 fielding percentage while playing left and center field. 

Four rounds later, Mendonca was the second Sac State player to hear his name called as he was drafted 500th overall by the Minnesota Twins.

“When I saw my name pop up (on the draft tracker), it was pure excitement,” Mendonca said. 

Although Mendonca struggled at Sac State in his three seasons with an overall record of 10-20 and a 5.03 ERA, he said he will be happy to get a fresh start.

“It’s a whole new ball game and a chance to make a name for myself,” Mendonca said. The goal is to pitch in the major leagues and it is about getting better each and every day.”

Ayers was the last Sac State player to be called when he was selected in the 30th round by the Kansas City Royals. 

As the only senior on the team to be drafted, he finished the 2013 season batting .298 with 10 home runs and 47 RBIs. He was also the 2012 Western Athletic Conference Player of the Year and an Academic All-WAC player in 2011. 

“I didn’t really know what to think,” Ayers said. “It took me a minute to realize it happened.”

Unlike college basketball, where athletes can declare for the draft after their freshman season, baseball players must wait until after their junior season to be eligible for the MLB Draft.

Higley said his decision was not easy.

“I didn’t want to leave all the guys, but it is time for me to move onto the next step in my baseball career.” Higley said. 

The three now join 18 other Sac State baseball players who went on to play professional baseball, including the likes of Triple-A Fresno Grizzlies pitcher Mitch Lively and former catcher Derrick Chung.

Ryan can be reached on Twitter at @rskuhn

Ryan can be reached on twitter at @rskuhn