Damien High School pitcher Matt Amrhein has committed to NCAA Division II Cal Baptist.
He was the solid No. 2 pitcher for the Spartans behind senior left-hander Nick Lodolo and helped give Damien a formidable 1-2 punch on the mound. He was 6-1 in Baseline League play, helping the Spartans to their first league title since 2004.
He was also considering Cal State Monterey Bay and Colorado at Colorado Springs, both also Division II schools.
He liked the offerings at Cal Baptist and the fact that is was close to home. He also visited Monterey Bay.
“It really felt like home there and I like that my family will be able to come see me play,” said Amrhein, a 6-foot right-hander.
He is the latest local player to join the Riverside-based college. Teammate Harrison Spohn has committed to the school, although he is just a junior. Rancho Cucamonga’s Logan Rinehart has also signed there.
Amrhein was a first team All-Baseline League and second-team All-Inland Valley selection. He was also a second team pick in football, excelling as kicker.
