2015 MLB Draft: Houston Astros select Trent Thornton in the 5th round

In 2013, the Astros selected North Carolina pitcher Kent Emanuel. Now the Astros go back to the Tar Heels for another pitcher in 2015, Trent Thornton.

Thornton, a native of Charlotte, N.C., attending Ardrey Kell high school. In 2013, during his freshman season, Thornton was named a consensus freshman All-America honors (Baseball America, Perfect Game, NCBWA and Louisville Slugger) after a standout freshman season. He appeared in 29 games, including six starts, and had a 1.37 ERA in 91.2 innings.

In 2014, appearing in 16 games (14 starts), Thornton posted a 7-4 record with a 2.73 ERA in 95 2/3 innings pitched. This season, he collected a 3-7 record with a 5.08 ERA in 28 games (4 starts) with 81 strikeouts and 31 walks.

Thornton appears in the 2013 College World Series with North Carolina, holding LSU to 2-runs over 7-innings in one start.

Thornton was the second Tar Heel selected in the 2015 draft, Skye Bolt (128, Athletics) and Benton Moss (178, Rays) were also selected.