DeJesus, a junior outfielder for UK during 2007, was a 16th-round selection by the St. Louis Cardinals earlier in June. A native of Amherst, Ohio, DeJesus begins his professional career suiting up for the Batavia Muckdogs in the New York-Penn League. The centerfielder appeared in his first professional game on Wednesday night, notching the start in centerfield and batting second in the order. DeJesus batted 2-for-4 with one run scored and one hit-by pitch.
Coughlin, a 2007 first-team All-America selection, played in his second career professional game on Wednesday night. Coughlin is playing for the Missoula Osprey (Missoula, Mont.) in the Pioneer Rookie League. The catcher has begun his pro career in promising fashion, batting 3-for-8 with two runs scored and one RBI. On Wednesday night, Coughlin hit third in the order and notched the start at catcher, boosting his first career professional home run, part of a 2-for-4 night. The Morrison, Colo., native’s blast came in dramatic fashion as the backstop broke a 5-5 tie with a solo, two-out shot in the bottom of the ninth inning to give the Osprey the walk-off win. Coughlin, a 13th round selection of the Arizona Diamondbacks, finished his two-year UK career with 30 home runs and a .335 average. In 2007, Coughlin tallied 73 RBI, the second-best season total in UK history.