Former Southeast Missouri State pitcher Lucchesi makes pro debut in relief

Former Southeast Missouri State pitcher Joey Lucchesi made his professional debut on Monday night.

Entering in relief in the seventh inning for the Tri-City Dust Devils, Lucchesi induced a pair of groundouts and got a swinging strikeout to open his pro account.

The fourth pitcher of the game for his team, he was still officially on the mound at press time, with the Dust Devils trailing Spokane 5-1.

Lucchesi was drafted in the fourth round of the MLB Draft by the San Diego Padres, 114th overall, on June 10.

Tri-City is the Padres' short-season single A affiliate, located in Pasco, Washington.