Bush, ex-No. 1 pick, sentenced to prison for DUI

PUNTA GORDA, Fla. (AP) -- Matt Bush, a former pitcher in the Tampa Bay Rays organization, has been sentenced to four years and three months in prison for a

Matt Bush, the top overall pick in the 2004 draft, has never reached the major leagues :: Cliff Welch/Icon SMI

PUNTA GORDA, Fla. (AP) -- Matt Bush, a former pitcher in the Tampa Bay Rays organization, has been sentenced to four years and three months in prison for a drunken driving hit-and-run crash.

As part of a deal with Charlotte County prosecutors, the 27-year-old Bush pleaded no contest Tuesday to driving under the influence with serious bodily injury. Six other counts in the March crash were dropped. Because it's his third DUI, Bush will also lose his license for 10 years. He has already spent nine months in jail.

Bush's attorney, Russell Kirshy, called the deal fair.

Authorities say Bush's blood alcohol level was 0.18 percent - more than twice the legal limit - when he hit 72-year-old Tony Tufano's motorcycle and left the scene.

Bush was the top overall draft pick in 2004 and was released by the Rays in October.