Fullerton Fell Short of Omaha, but Is Ready to Refuel for Next Season

FULLERTON — Cal State Fullerton won’t be going to the College World Series this year after four appearances in Omaha in the 1990s, but the Titans probably achieved more than some might have expected.

Fullerton’s 39-24-1 record in George Horton’s first year as head coach fell one victory short of a fourth consecutive season of 40 victories. But the Titans did win 16 of their last 21 games, earned their second Big West postseason title in three years and made their sixth consecutive regional tournament appearance.

Even by Titan standards it turned into a good season, though Fresno State eliminated Fullerton on Saturday, 8-7, in the Titans’ third game of the NCAA West Regional at Stanford.

The lineup that was successful late in the season included three freshmen--designated hitter Reed Johnson, outfielder Chris Beck and shortstop Ryan Owens--and two sophomores, outfielder Aaron Rowand and second baseman Nakia Hill.

How many of the juniors who are draft-eligible will be back is uncertain. “We really won’t know that until the draft,” Horton said. “But I’ll talk with all of them after that, and we’ll see what happens.”

One junior, left fielder Steve Chatham, said he’s planning to return next year for his senior season. Horton regards Chatham as one of the team’s best clutch hitters and most solid defenders. If he returns, the outfield that finished the season will be back intact.

Chatham had a big regional tournament with seven hits in 13 at-bats. Chatham, who batted in the No. 3 spot, hit .341 for the season and was second on the team in RBIs (51) behind catcher Mike Lamb (70).

Lamb, who also led the Titans in homers with 10 and batted .379, is expected to sign after the draft. Sophomore Mike Wright and freshman Craig Patterson are in line to take over.

First baseman C.J. Ankrum, a three-year regular who batted .358 with 43 RBIs, appears likely to sign, which will leave a big void at first base. The Titans have recruited two first basemen, Grant Wilson of Scottsdale (Ariz.) Horizon High and Kevin Duck of Rancho Santiago College.

Losing senior third baseman Jerome Alviso (.391, 43 RBIs) leaves a big hole to fill in the infield. Freshman Danny Phillips is his likely replacement.

The Titans will lose their top two starting pitchers, senior Matt Wise (5-8) and junior Brian Tokarse, whose 10-3 record was the best on the staff.

Tokarse said he expects to be drafted and plans to sign. “He’s probably ready, since he’s older and already has redshirted one year,” Titan pitching coach Dave Serrano said.

Junior John Alkire (3-5) also is expected to sign, though he had a disappointing season after transferring from Tennessee.

Serrano said he’s hopeful No. 3 starter Brandon Duckworth (8-1), another junior, might be back even though he is eligible for the draft.

Serrano said he also thinks Scott Hild (4-4) probably will return for his senior year. Serrano also expects freshman Michael Garner (2-1) to play a more prominent role.

Of the eight pitchers the Titans have signed for next season, only two have college experience.

Greg Jacobs, a left-hander who also plays the outfield, pitched this season for Cypress College, and right-hander Marco Hanlon was at Cuesta College.

The Titans have recruited several highly regarded high school pitchers, including Jordan DeJong of El Dorado, George Carralejo of Kennedy, Jason Westemeier of Mission Hills Alemany, Jon Smith of Perris and Kirk Saarloos of Cerritos Valley Christian.

“We think we had a good recruiting year,” Horton said. “If we don’t get hurt by the draft, we should be fine next season.”