IRVINE, Calif. --- UC Irvine baseball is bringing on four more additions to the program pushing their total to 13 signees for the upcoming 2018 season:

Braden Ashmore | RHP | 6-1 | 190 | R/R | Thousand Oaks, Calif. | Newbury Park HS

"Braden is another guy that we have seen the development over the last year and a half. He was a catcher until about two years ago. Braden can reach 91 mph and has big upside on the mound as he continues to get more experience."

Ashmore has been a fairly sought-after recruit from head coach Curtis Scott's program at Newbury Park High School, but mostly on the offensive end. The right-hander made a living behind the plate as a catcher during his four years on varsity, and did very well hitting .284 with 27 RBI over the last three years, but, like most catchers, his arm has really translated on the mound reaching into the 90s in his 13 high school appearances that's brandished a 1.94 ERA and included a no-hitter this season with his potential only rising with the experience he gains.

 

Brian Marquez | LHP | 6-2 | 200 | L/L | San Diego, Calif. | Rancho Bernardo HS

"Brian is a kid that we have seen develop a lot over the past year and a half. He has worked extremely hard to become a better pitcher. He now pitches in the upper 80s and can spin a breaking ball. Brian will make an immediate impact for us. He has thrown two no-hitters this year."

Marquez has been dynamite as part of an electric trio who had a combined ERA under 1.00 through April this season at Rancho Bernardo High School. The program, under head coach Sam Blaylock, is currently fourth in the state and tenth nationally with a record of 24-3 aided by two no-hitters from Marquez. Altogether, his seven wins, 0.75 ERA, and fiery demeanor could translate into instant success as an Anteater.

 

Johnny Pacheco | C | 5-10 | 165 | R/R | Eastvale, Calif. | Roosevelt HS

"Johnny is an athletic catcher that can shut down the running game. He is very advanced in his ability to catch and throw. His toughness and competitiveness will allow him to contribute early in his career.  Johnny is currently hitting .300 with 6 doubles."

Johnny Pacheco is a catcher that will join a competitive corps of backstops in the future for the Anteaters. Under the tutelage of head coach Mark Wade at Roosevelt High School, Pacheco has been dominant on the defensive side cutting down baserunners. His bat has lived up to the hype as well batting over .300, but overall, his toughness and mentality is something that will mesh will into the fabric of the Anteater program.

 

Taylor Rashi | RHP | 6-4 | 210 | R/R | Torrance, Calif. | West Torrance HS | El Camino College

"Taylor is a big, right handed pitcher that has continued to get better. He has struck out almost 200 hitters in the last two years at El Camino College. Taylor pitches in the upper 80s with a feel for a curveball and slider that he can finish hitters with."

Rashi has really blossomed at the junior college level under head coach Nate Fernley especially in the 2016-17 season where he has gone 10-3 in 14 starts with a 1.89 ERA including his first complete game of the season in his most recent outing. He's had five outings with 10 or more strikeouts building on just one from his freshman season. The 6-4 righty is a product of West Torrance High School where he made 14 starts on the varsity level.

 

Player	Position	HT / WT	B / T	Hometown	Previous School	Note
Ashmore, Braden	RHP	6-1 / 190	R / R	Thousand Oaks, Calif.	Newbury Park HS	Converted catcher hitting 90+ mph
Marquez, Brian	LHP	6-2 / 200	L / L	San Diego, Calif.	Rancho Bernardo HS	Thrown 2 no-hitters in 2017
Pacheco, Johnny	C	5-10 / 165	R / R	Eastvale, Calif.	Roosevelt HS	2017 CA Region Honorable Mention
Rashi, Taylor	RHP	6-4 / 210	R / R	Torrance, Calif.	El Camino College	118 strikeouts on No. 1 JC team in CA