Mariners stick with pitchers, take lefty Ratliff

After taking three outfielders with their first three picks in the MLB First-Year Player Draft, the Mariners took their third pitcher in a row on Day 2 when they selected left-hander Lane Ratliff in the sixth round with the 171st overall pick Friday.

In the days leading up the Draft, Ratliff came to a workout at Safeco Field, where he caught the eye of Mariners director of amateur scouting Tom McNamara.

"He's a nice looking, projectable left-hander if at all comes together," McNamara said.

Ratliff (6-foot-3, 185 pounds) went 8-3 with a 3.08 ERA in 13 starts this season with Jones County Junior College in Ellisville, Miss. He struck out 89 in 64 1/3 innings while walking 35 and allowing eight home runs.

The Draft concludes Saturday, with exclusive coverage of Rounds 11-40 beginning on MLB.com at 10 a.m. PT.