West Windsor, N.J. -- MCCC pitcher James Pugliese can finally stop wondering where he will be suiting up next season. Scouted by the pros during his freshman season at Mercer, Pugliese, of Hamilton, was selected by the Chicago Cubs on Wednesday in the 18th round of the 50-round MLB amateur draft.

The 6'3" right-hander will be missed on the mound for the Vikings, says Head Coach Matt Wolski. During the 2011 season, he allowed just 34 hits and 11 earned runs. He struck out 77 and walked 25, winning six of his eight contests.

In post-season honors, Pugliese was named to the All-Region 19 and All-GSAC First Teams. He was selected as the no. 2 player in the region and was named a Third Team All-American.

According to MCCC Athletics Director John Simone, Pugliese is the first MCCC baseball player to be drafted by the pros in more than a decade.

Puglieses is a graduate of Steinert High School, where he was a star pitcher. Earlier in his career, he helped Nottingham to the 15-year-old Babe Ruth World Series.