LaRosa Eases Matadors Past Westmont, 11-2

For almost a year, the closest John LaRosa got to a pitching mound was with a rake.

Like all pitchers on the Cal State Northridge baseball team, LaRosa is required to tend the mound after practices and games.

The only problem LaRosa has with the chore is that, for a while, there was a lot more grounds keeping to be done than games to be pitched.

Northridge played only six games in the off-season because of a since-revised NCAA rule limiting the number of games for Division II schools this year.

Thus, when the season opened, LaRosa hadn’t faced college competition in a game situation since the end of the 1985 season.

“The first time I got back on the mound I was nervous,” he said. “I knew what I had, but it’s strange to get up in front of a batter when you haven’t been there in a while.”

With four starts to his credit this season, LaRosa isn’t nervous any longer. In fact, he said he’s getting more comfortable all the time.

LaRosa looked perfectly cozy Wednesday afternoon in the Matadors’ 11-2 victory over Westmont College, pitching three-hit ball over seven innings in a nonconference game played in Northridge.

It was the second strong outing in a row for the sophomore southpaw, who improved his record to 2-0, with relief help from Tony Estrada.

“I feel better the more games that we get,” LaRosa said. “The rain hurt a lot, because it’s tough to pitch every two weeks.”

LaRosa was in firm control of this one. Staked to a 2-0 lead in the first inning, LaRosa finished with four strikeouts and two walks.

“I don’t worry about strikeouts and walks,” he said. “I worry about getting the double plays.”

Northridge managed to turn only one double play against Westmont, but LaRosa had plenty of help.

The Matadors had 13 hits, including home runs by Scott Stewart, Todd Mustin and John Balfanz. Mustin, Chris Pinsak, Balfanz, Jim Vatcher and Dan Muzzey each had two hits.

The defense also contributed, as left fielder Mark Anderson reached over the brick retaining wall to rob Kevin Redick of a home run in the seventh inning.

“That catch really saved me,” LaRosa said. “I’ve only given up one home run, and that’s the big thing around pitchers--how many you give up.”

LaRosa wasn’t planning on any special reward for Anderson.

Said LaRosa: “I’ve already given him two books for classes, and helped him by doing some clothes for him, so I think he owed me one.”

For Northridge Coach Terry Craven, the victory was a rare breather. The Matadors opened a 4-1 lead after four innings and put the game away with five runs in the sixth.

Craven said his club’s consistent effort began with LaRosa.

“The guy on the hill sets the tone,” Craven said. “It’s how he is approaching things that picks people up.”

Craven hopes Wednesday’s tone is contagious.

“I was pleased with the whole effort,” he said. “It’s something we think the team is capable of every time out.

“We’re trying to get the foundation laid and build each time out. Hopefully, this is the start of that.”

Notes

Northridge improved its record to 8-9 overall. . . . The Matadors play host to Azusa Pacific today at 2:30 p.m. . . . Freshman Robert Wheatcroft is scheduled to start.

WESTMONT--Fowler, Ashworth (6), Hogan (8) and Trujillo, Baker (8).

NORTHRIDGE--LaRosa, Estrada (8) and Muzzey.

WP--LaRosa (2-0); LP--Fowler.