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CLEBURNE, Texas (Feb. 15, 2019) – The Cleburne Railroaders announced Friday the signing of left-handed pitcher Jacob Hill.

Hill made his professional debut last season with the Martinez Clippers of the Pacific Association, making 20 relief appearances and four starts. The 24-year old finished 0-3 with a 5.06 ERA in 53.1 innings, notching three saves out of the Clippers bullpen. Hill walked 48, but struck out 76 and allowed only 41 hits, good for an opponent batting average of only .208 that would have ranked second in the league if Hill threw enough innings to qualify. Among pitchers in the Pacific Association with at least 50 innings of work, Hill’s 12.8 strikeouts-per-nine innings rate finished third. 

“Jacob comes highly recommended to us as a live arm from the left side,” manager Brent Clevlen said. “He’s got big-time strikeout stuff and the ability to start or work in relief. If he commands the strike zone consistently, we think he has a chance to really contribute to our ballclub.” 

A native of Orange, Calif., Hill started his college career at Orange Coast College in 2013, where he teamed with current Railroaders outfielder Zach Nehrir. After a strong freshman campaign in which Hill went 2-2 with a 3.28 ERA, Hill put together one of the most dominant seasons in school history as a sophomore. The lefty made 12 appearances, including ten starts, and finished the year 11-0 with a miniscule 1.27 ERA. He shared Orange Empire Conference Pitcher of the Year with his twin brother David, who is currently a prospect in the Colorado Rockies system.

Hill was selected by the Washington Nationals in the 40th round of the 2014 MLB Draft, but elected not to sign and instead transferred to the University of San Diego along with his brother for the remainder of his college career. After a junior season in which Hill went 6-2 in 20 appearances for the Toreros, he was drafted again, this time by the Indians in the 32nd round. Hill chose not to sign, and was limited to just eight innings as a senior at San Diego the following year. For his college career, Hill finished 19-6 with a 3.42 ERA and 115 strikeouts in 128.1 innings.

The signing of Hill gives the Railroaders a total of 17 players under contract for the 2019 season.

The 3rd season of Railroaders baseball and the club’s pursuit of its first division title kicks off with a four-game home series against the Sioux Falls Canaries, beginning on Thursday, May 16. For information on partnerships, season tickets, group outings, and party packages, call the Railroaders main office at (817) 945-8705, or visit the Railroaders official website at www.railroaderbaseball.com.