The University of San Diego will provide the AppleSox a freshman hurler along with one of the most highly touted high school shortstops this summer. The Toreros are sending right-handed pitcher Drew Jacobs and infielder Tanner Rahier to play in Wenatchee.

“The University of San Diego does an excellent job of recruiting and each year we reap the benefits with the talented players that they send us,” said AppleSox head coach Ed Knaggs.

Jacobs, a native of Ventura, Calif., threw two no-hitters his senior year of high school. He is 1-1 with a 2.83 ERA in eleven appearances for the Toreros in his freshman campaign. An accomplished placekicker in high school, he has kicked a 57-yard field goal and was recruited to play football by San Diego State, Boise State, and USC.

“He comes highly recommended from their pitching coach Tyler Kincaid, who is a former AppleSox assistant coach,” said Knaggs. “He has an impressive fastball and has been a very consistent contributor in his freshman season.”

Rahier, from Indian Hills, Calif., is considered one of the top high school shortstops in the country. The University of San Diego commit was rated by Baseball America as the No. 29 high school prospect eligible for the 2012 MLB Draft.

“He is as highly touted as any high school kid we have ever signed to play for us” said Knaggs. “There is a risk for us to hold a roster spot for someone who could sign and go pro after the MLB Draft, but the risk is completely worth it to potentially have a player of his caliber.”

The AppleSox open the 2012 season on the road against the Bellingham Bells on June 1^st. The team will return to Paul Thomas Sr. Field to start a six-game homestand beginning with the home opener on June 5^th against the Bend Elks.

Picture:

Attached photograph of Drew Jacobs courtesy of the University of San Diego Sports Information Department.