Crespi’s McSweeney muffles Orange Lutheran in National Classic final

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He doesn’t throw exceptionally hard, and at 6 feet 1 and 160 pounds he is hardly an intimidating presence.

But Crespi right-hander E.C. McSweeney looked every inch a big-game pitcher on Thursday, handcuffing Orange Lutheran, 7-2, in the Anderson Bat National Classic championship game.

The Lancers had won 11 consecutive games coming into the tournament final at Cal State Fullerton. But they never got a read on McSweeney’s big breaking curve or sneaky fast fastball, which he threw consistently inside to left-handed hitters when they were not looking for it.

McSweeney is not getting the Division I rush from scouts that some other Southland prep pitchers are receiving, but there is some interest. ‘I’ve talked to a few schools like San Francisco and Chapman,’ he said.

Other schools may be asking for his phone number. Winning tournament championship games, and beating hot teams in the process, can do wonders for one’s profile.

-- Mike Terry