Three Montanans Picked in MLB Draft

BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — Three Montana baseball players were chosen in this week's Major League Baseball draft.

Outfielder Justin Black of Billings was taken in the fourth round by the Atlanta Braves. The Billings Scarlets standout also has a scholarship offer from Nebraska.

The Billings Gazette reports Black has impressed scouts with his speed, power and defensive ability.

Black says he expects the Braves will offer him a contract in the next few days.

Two Montana pitchers also were drafted Tuesday. Left-handed pitcher Caleb Frare of Miles City was taken by the New York Yankees in the 11th round while Andrew Sopko of Missoula was selected by the San Diego Padres in the 14th round.

Sopko has a half-ride scholarship offer to play baseball at Gonzaga, but tells the Missoulian he'll see what the Padres offer him before making a decision.