June 6, 2012

LEXINGTON, Ky. — Kentucky junior right-handed pitcher Tim Peterson has been picked in the 20th round of the 2012 MLB Draft by the New York Mets, going 620th overall, it was announced on Wednesday afternoon.

A 6-foot-2, right-hander, Peterson becomes the fifth UK player picked in the 2012 MLB Draft. A native of Puyallup, Wash., Peterson joins outfielder Brian Adams (eighth round; Padres), catcher Luke Maile (eighth round; Rays), left-hander Taylor Rogers (11th round; Twins) and third baseman Thomas McCarthy (18th round; White Sox).

Peterson was a durable work horse for the Wildcats in 2012 in one of the nation’s top bullpens. He appeared in 28 games in relief – second-most on the club – owning a 3-0 record, a 2.42 ERA and a save. Peterson worked 26 innings, allowing 24 hits and only four walks, striking out 28. He didn’t allow a hit or a base runner through his first five innings for the Wildcats.

While helping to anchor one of the NCAA’s top bullpens, Peterson helped UK own a 32-1 record when leading after four innings and a 40-0 record when leading after seven frames. Among Peterson’s highlights came in a six-out save at No. 9 Arkansas in the first game of a doubleheader, allowing the UK bullpen to use closer Trevor Gott to save the finale and hand the Razorbacks its first doubleheader sweep at Baum Stadium since 1996.