LA JOLLA, Calif. - UC San Diego pitchers Jeff Rauh and Tony York have signed free agent contracts, with Rauh joining the St. Louis Cardinals and York hooking up with the Chicago Cubs.

Both senior right-handers, Rauh was in UCSD's starting rotation while York was the Tritons' primary closer in 2012.

"This is a dream come true," said York, a native of Escondido in North San Diego County. "It's everything I've worked for and looked forward to."

Over 24 appearances in 2012, York compiled a 2-1 record with a stellar 2.10 ERA. He recorded 10 saves, the second most in a single season at UCSD. York's save total was the second highest of any California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) hurler and ranked 22nd in the country. He surrendered no runs over his first 14 trips to the mound and held opponents scoreless in 19 outings, striking out 24 batters in 30.0 innings of work.

York, who transferred to UCSD after playing two seasons at Western Arizona, was a consensus All-West Region pick in 2012, earning the distinction from the American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA), Daktronics and the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association (NCBWA). He was also named All-CCAA First Team.

"This past season, I stayed healthy and had my best stuff," said York. "I was able to come in during pressure situations and consistently handle them."

Rauh, who played four years at UCSD, made 12 starts in 2012, finishing with a 4-4 record and a 5.47 ERA. Through 70.0 innings, the Lake Forest native struck out 47 batters, the third most on the Triton staff. In his first start of the year on Feb. 3, he fanned a career-high 12 in six innings against Western Oregon. Rauh earned victories against CCAA opponents Cal State Dominguez Hills, Cal State L.A., Cal State Stanislaus and San Francisco State.

Rauh made 34 appearances for the Tritons during his career. He was part of a 2010 squad that advanced to the title game at the National Championships. 

"We are excited for Jeff and Tony to move on in their baseball careers," said first-year UCSD head coach Eric Newman. "The Cardinals and Cubs are getting talented, hard-working young men and I am sure that both will represent UCSD in great fashion. Everyone affiliated with UCSD and the baseball program is looking forward to following their progress."

Rauh and York helped lead the Tritons to their fourth consecutive CCAA regular season and tournament titles as well as their sixth straight berth in the NCAA postseason.

- UCSDtritons.com -