Mariners pick Tuiasosopo

SEATTLE – Matt Tuiasosopo, who has signed to play football at Washington this fall, was chosen by the Seattle Mariners in the third round of Monday’s baseball draft.

Tuiasosopo, a senior at Woodinville High School where he played shortstop, was the 93rd overall pick and the Mariners’ first pick in the draft.

A standout quarterback as well, Tuiasosopo is considered to be the jewel of the Huskies’ recruiting class. But he has said his first choice is baseball and if offered the right contract, would give up the chance to play for the Huskies.

His brother Marques, now with the Raiders, was a quarterback at Washington and led the Huskies to the 2001 Rose Bowl. Their father, Manu, played in the NFL with the 49ers and Seahawks.

“We were very pleased to see Matt still on the board when it came our turn,” said Bob Fontaine, Mariners’ vice president of scouting.

Tuiasosopo hit .394 with five doubles, one home run and 14 RBIs for the Woodinville Falcons. He was a first-team all-league selection.

In the fourth round, the New York Mets selected University of Washington catcher Aaron Hathaway.

Washington State University pitcher Bryce Chamberlin was taken in the sixth round by the Baltimore Orioles.