Northridge Adds Left-Hander to Depleted Staff

The Cal State Northridge baseball team took a big step toward solving a daunting problem this week when pitcher Erasmo Ramirez signed a letter of intent to play for the Matadors in 1995.

Ramirez, a left-hander from Saddleback High, should bolster a staff that was decimated by injury last spring.

What’s more, the Matadors, who finished 25-30 for their worst record in six seasons under Coach Bill Kernen, did not have a left-handed pitcher on their 1994 roster.

During the regular season, Ramirez was 7-2 with an earned-run average of 2.54. In 80 innings, he struck out 82 and walked 28.

“I think he’s got a chance to become a real good college pitcher,” Kernen said. “He’s a good athlete with a good arm.”

Northridge signed another high school pitcher, right-hander Carlos Velazco of Sylmar, last week.

Two members of Northridge’s original three-man pitching rotation were sidelined because of season-ending arm injuries this year and the staff finished with an ERA of 6.35.

Junior college players who have signed with Northridge are infielder Grant Hohman of Harbor, catcher Robert Fick of Ventura and right-handed pitchers Rob Crabtree of Cypress and Chris Romero of East L.A.

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Kel Watrin of Santa Rosa College, the state junior college champion in the men’s javelin, has made a commitment to Cal State Northridge.

Watrin, who has dual citizenship in the United States and Canada, has a personal best of 218 feet 2 inches. He finished second in the 1993 state championships.

His addition should give the Matadors a solid one-two punch next year.

Junior Mike McClintock threw a personal best of 221-0 this season.