Lawson selected by Red Sox in 30th round

LIVINGSTON, AL — The University of West Alabama had one player selected Wednesday afternoon in the Major League Baseball amateur draft as junior right-handed pitcher Ryne Lawson was selected as the 913th pick in the 30th round by the Boston Red Sox.

“I am very happy I got chosen,” Lawson said. “I haven’t decided to sign, but I am happy that the pressure is off now after being selected.”

Lawson, a native of Stevenson, Ala., played in 15 games during the 2006 season as West Alabama went 42-22, advancing to the South Central Regional Baseball Tournament in Abilene, Texas. The right-hander, named to the Gulf South Conference East Division second team, went 8-3 with a 3.33 ERA, with a pair of saves in 81 innings pitched. He finished with 63 strikeouts and 34 walks, as opposing batters hit .272 against him.

In 2005, Lawson appeared in 15 games, including 14 starts on the mound, compiling a record of 7-4 with a 3.99 ERA in 67.2 innings of work. He limited opponents to a .213 batting average and totaled 61 strikeouts.

During his time at West Alabama, Lawson has pitched in 43 games, compiling a 19-10 record with 152 strikeouts.

Written by: Brian Howard