Photo by: CSUN Athletics
CSUN Baseball Announces Six-Man Signing Class for 2018
12/8/2016 1:16:00 PM | Baseball
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NORTHRIDGE, CA---
CSUN Baseball has signed six to National Letters of Intent for the 2017-18 season, head coach Greg Moore announced. The Matadors welcome catcher Ben Martz (Thousand Oaks High School, Thousand Oaks, CA), shortstop Brandon Bohning (Chatsworth High School, Simi Valley, CA), left-handed pitchers Danny Pimienta (Poly High School, Sun Valley, CA), Wesley Moore (Vauxhall Academy, Vancouver, Canada), right-handed pitcher Austin Toerner (Bakersfield Community College, Bakersfield, CA) and utility player Trevor Casanova (El Camino Community College, Corona, CA).
"What I'm most impressed with is what these guys value," said Moore about the recruiting class. "They see an athletic department at CSUN that blends challenge and support in all areas of life. When a recruit and their family is on campus, they are getting a first class experience. Our academic support, strength training, compliance and facilities are making the visit one of the best on the West Coast."
Sticking to their roots, the Matadors again recruited several local products in the 2017-18 class. The five California products live an average of 36 miles from CSUN, which is a number that has grown each year since Moore arrived to CSUN in 2014.
"Recruiting coordinator Jordon Twohig and coach Chris Hom spent countless hours evaluating and sharing the on-campus family environment that led to this class," continued Moore. "Coach Goulding, Carter and the rest of our coaching staff raised the bar and made the on-campus experience unique and memorable."
With the team heavy on juniors and seniors heading into the 2017 season, the team recruited selectively for the future.
"Having an older group allowed us to be very specific in this class," said Twohig. "These are athletic position players and big physical arms that have a chance to thrive here. We focus on strength in the middle of the diamond. This class will do just that. I know the entire coaching staff looks forward to getting this group on campus next fall."
Playing for former MLB All-Star Jack Wilson, Martz prepped at Thousand Oaks High School and was voted a Perfect Game All-American in 2015. A Top 50 catcher in California according to Perfect Game, Martz hit .286 as a junior and finished with a home run and a five doubles. This past summer, he was named to the All-Tournament Team at the Perfect Game World Wood Bat Association National Championships in Florida. Martz has also been selected twice to the Major League Scouting Bureau All-Star Game at the Urban Youth Academy in Southern California.
"I chose CSUN because the DORS play the game the right way and focus on the details," said Martz. "I see Northridge as an environment of growth and endless knowledge on and off the field."
"Ben's commitment was the first in this class," said Moore. "We are getting a hard-nosed player. He saw in DORS Baseball what we saw in him. We're going to reach new heights together, through great work each day. Ben has the physical tools to catch from day one. He wants to learn the staff here and help them grow. He brings toughness to the catching position that CSUN catchers have been known for many years."
Competing with Chatsworth High School for legendary coach Tom Meusborn, Bohning helped guide the Chancellors to the LA City Section Final in 2016 at Dodger Stadium. Bohning rolled 20 double plays in 2016 and posted nine doubles, two triples and a home run. In his prep career, he has earned a 2016 Perfect Game All-American Honorable Mention and a 2015-16 Cal-Hi Sports All-State accolade. Bohning also was ranked 64th in California infielders according to Perfect Game and in the Top 1000 nationally.
"For me it was the coaches and the players that gave me a family feeling like no other school," said Bohning on why he chose CSUN. "They play great competition and everyone is treated like brothers. Not to mention the school is fairly close for my family and friends to watch me play ball. The DORS have a plan for putting CSUN and the San Fernando Valley on the college baseball map, and I wanted to be a part of that."
"Brandon is a baseball player who understands the game," said Moore. "He comes from a baseball factory at Chatsworth where the game is played and taught the right way. Brandon has range, arm strength and the ability to hit for power and average. That combo is rare in a shortstop. Most importantly, his work ethic is everything we look for in a DOR. We are thrilled to have Brandon join the DORS."
Pimienta has enjoyed a strong prep career with Poly High School, playing under Gabe Cerna. He was named to the Perfect Game Top 1000 national rankings including a 35th spot in the top left-handed pitchers in California. Over the last two seasons, Pimienta struck out 72 batters in 61 innings of work and he posted a 2.54 ERA. Opposing teams only hit .216 against Pimienta over that span as well. In addition, Pimienta was named to the All-Tournament Team this past summer at the Perfect Game/EvoShield Upperclass Tournament in Phoenix, AZ. Pimienta also has travel ball experience, playing for Tim Oliveros and the Playa Vista Orioles along with Deron Spiller and Bownet Baseball.
"CSUN is the school that is going to help me reach my dreams," said Pimienta. "Playing in front of my family and friends is a blessing. Having the chance to get my four-year degree, and getting to play DI baseball for such a great program is something I don't take lightly. I am fully committed to working hard in school, and as a DORS baseball player. I am driven to make all that have believed in me proud."
"Danny is a special story," said Moore. "He is a local product who grew up just a few miles from campus and has roots in the San Fernando Valley. Danny is an explosive left-handed pitcher who commands three pitches for strikes and loves to compete. On the mound, he will make us better. What excited us most about Danny is his leadership. He is a grinder, a worker and he will fit right in with our 'red-collar' mentality."
Pitching for Vauxhall Academy and coach Les McTavish in Alberta, Canada, Moore has fanned 33 batters and posted a 1.80 ERA in 23 innings in 2016. Selected to play for the Canadian National Team, Moore has pitched against minor league prospect teams including the New York Yankess, Chicago Cubs and Seattle Mariners. He has also pitched internationally against the Cuba, Europe, the Dominican Republic and USA. With Vauxhall, he was voted Most Improved Player at the academy.
"The coaches were a huge factor for me," said Moore on why he chose CSUN. "They are dedicated, and have created a family atmosphere that I felt the moment I arrived on campus. It has always been a dream of mine to play in Southern California at such a great school."
"The first thing that attracted me to Wes was his last name," said coach Moore. "Wes has a chance to be a weekend starter in this conference. He talks the game with the steady pace of a senior in college. He's the same competitive guy on the mound no matter the situation. His deception and fastball command compliment his courage in throwing any pitch at any time. The daily work will be a joy with Wes."
Cousin to current Matador center fielder Justin Toerner, Austin Toerner has played with Bakersfield Community College under longtime head coach Tim Painton. Named to the All-Western Second Team, Toerner went 7-2 on the mound with 37 strikeouts and a 3.91 ERA in 71 innings of work. Toerner prepped at Golden Valley High School in Bakersfield, CA and was top five in the state in strikeouts with 117 in 2015. He also finished his high school career with 273 innings pitched, 332 strikeouts, 25 wins and 1.89 ERA. In 2015, he was named to the Perfect Game Top 1000 national rankings in 2015 and was voted 51st amongst right-handed pitchers in California. Toerner has been named to the Cal-Hi Sports All-State First Team and to the All-League First Team in both 2015 and 2016.
"I chose CSUN not just because of my family, but because of the coaching staff and the atmosphere was a place where I believe I can grow to my full potential," said Toerner.
"There is a lot to like about Austin," said Moore. "He is the brother of recent CSUN softball graduate Kaitlin Toerner. His mother Kathy is in the CSUN Hall of Fame as a softball player. His uncle Sean was a great CSUN baseball player that was drafted by the San Francisco Giants. Lastly, his cousin is current center fielder Justin Toerner. Austin, no matter his last name, will pave his own path here. He has the frame, arm strength and attitude to be a starter and make a huge impact. CSUN is home. We couldn't be happier he's joining us at the 'Ridge.'"
Casanova began his collegiate career at Lane Community College in Eugene, OR in the Northwest Athletic Conference before transferring to El Camino to play for head coach Nate Fernley. As a freshman, Casanova hit .277 and registered 43 hits, 33 RBI, nine doubles, two home runs and a triple. Prepping at Centennial High School in Corona, Casanova was named the All-League Second Team as a catcher during his senior season. He also played travel ball for the Playa Vista Orioles.
"I chose CSUN because it's close to home," said Casanova. "The players and coaches treated me well, and made me feel a part of their family. CSUN is giving me a great opportunity to compete."
"Sometimes a player gets labeled 'utility' when he can't find a position," said Moore. "This time it's because Trevor can play six or seven on the field. The first thing you notice about him is a combination of size and athleticism. He has a very strong, accurate arm and a pure swing. The more you learn about him the more his value to a team shows. He receives high praises from his coaches as a great teammate and worker. We expect Trevor to impact DORS Baseball and make a splash on the West Coast."
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