HARROGATE, Tenn. — Railsplitter right-hander Matt Mullenbach has signed a free agent contract with the New York Mets.

Mullenbach, who graduated last month, finished the 2019 season with a 3-6 record and a 5.38 ERA in 14 appearances. In 73.2 innings pitched, he struck out 92 batters while issuing only 40 walks as opponents posted a .281 batting average against him.  The 6-foot-4 hurler recorded a season-high 13 strikeouts in 6.1 innings pitched on April 27 against South Atlantic Conference powerhouse Catawba.

The signing comes as no surprise to Lincoln Memorial head coach Jeff Sziksai.

"We thought that he may have an opportunity to sign," commented Sziksai.  "He has had interest from scouts the last two years and has performed well in front of scouts. The talent was always present and we felt he was talented enough to go to the next level. He has worked hard to become a professional player and really sharpened his skill set."

Mullenbach completed his LMU career with 224 strikeouts in 194 innings pitched, ranking him fourth all-time for Railsplitter pitchers. He also ranks second overall in strikeouts per nine innings with 10.36 as he finished with a 5.38 ERA.  During his four-year career, the Urbandale, Iowa, native posted an 11-17 record in 60 appearances, 36 of which were starts.

Mullenbach is the second player from the 2019 squad to be picked up by a Major League Baseball team. Last week, fellow pitcher Ethan Elliott was drafted in the 10th round by the San Diego Padres.

Mullenbach is expected to be assigned to the Mets Appalachian League rookie team in Kingsport, Tenn.