CINCINNATI — Cincinnati Reds senior director of amateur scouting Chris Buckley today announced the selection of RHP Mike Leake (6-0, 180) from Arizona State University with their first pick (8th overall) of the 2009 first-year player draft.

Leake, 21, is the first pitcher selected by the Reds in the first round since RHP Homer Bailey in 2004. He is the first collegiate pitcher selected by the Reds in the first round since RHP Ryan Wagner (2003).

The Reds had selected a position player with their first pick in each of the previous four drafts: 1B Yonder Alonso (2008), C Devin Mesoraco (2007), OF Drew Stubbs (2006) and OF Jay Bruce (2005).

Leake was named 2008 PAC-10 Pitcher of the Year and is a finalist for the 2009 Golden Spikes Award after going 16-1 with a 1.36 ERA this season as a junior.

The righthander also has been named a semifinalist for the Pitcher of the Year Award presented by the College Baseball Foundation.

His 40 career wins at Arizona State are tied for the most in school history.

Leake is set to appear in the 2009 College World Series with the Sun Devils.

“Mike is a very polished pitcher with a good delivery and lots of poise. He is an impressive looking athlete who has a great deal of ability and an excellent command of four pitches. We are excited to add this caliber of pitcher to our organization,” said Buckley.