Destination: Omaha - NCAABB

Destination: Omaha

Wed Jun 10, 2009 10:49 pm EDT

The story behind Fullerton's Noe Ramirez starting

By Kendall Rogers

ramirez

Cal State Fullerton provided the first surprise of the College World Series earlier today when coach Dave Serrano announced his starter for Saturday's opener against Arkansas.

Freshman righty Noe Ramirez hits the bump for the Titans while ace Daniel Renkin will watch from the dugout.

Reaction is mixed. Some observers say it’s a smart move, others say it shows the Titans lack respect for the Razorbacks.

"We're not in the College World Series to just win one game, we're there to win the national title," Serrano said. "We've been getting it done with young pitchers the entire season, so I don't think experience is going to matter in the case of Ramirez."

It might be an unexpected move, but history suggests the youngster will be fine.

Ramirez has 14 starts and a 2.86 ERA in 107 innings of work. He has struck out 96 and walked 21 while holding opponents to a .223 batting average.

My take on the matter is that it's not really a risk. Sure, Renken has been outstanding this season and is an All-American caliber pitcher. Ramirez is one of the top freshmen hurlers and one of the toughest players on the team.

Fullerton's title dreams may hinge on Ramirez living up to the confidence Serrano has shown in him.

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18 Comments

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  1. hogwild21
    1. Posted by hogwild21 Thu Jun 11, 2009 10:55 am EDT

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    The bats and experience of the Razorbacks will eat this kid alive! I was giving the Hogs little chance in the game if Renken was pitching, but this opens up a HUGE window. Look for the Hogs to win this game. This decision will cause the Titans to be short lived in Omaha!
  2. James
    2. Posted by James Thu Jun 11, 2009 11:02 am EDT

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    The hawgs are not a favorite....but they WILL win it all.
  3. bwcash95
    3. Posted by bwcash95 Thu Jun 11, 2009 11:15 am EDT

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    Hawg can win over Cal st. Fullerton if we can hit. Be easy with young pitcher.
  4. georgiahog
    4. Posted by georgiahog Thu Jun 11, 2009 11:31 am EDT

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    I'm a hog fan and the three previous posters don't know jack about anything. We may beat CSF but it won't be because they eat Ramirez alive or because he's a freshman. It will be because the Hogs will make the defensive plays and get timely hitting. I doubt that CSF pitchers will walk as many hitters as FSU did. I'm not saying we won't win the game or the CWS because I believe we can but it definitely won't be a cakewalk.
  5. IDGAD
    5. Posted by IDGAD Thu Jun 11, 2009 1:34 pm EDT

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    They're all good teams in the CWS. That's why they have the regionals. If you've got an opinion, express it and more power to you. Play ball! Let's see timely hitting, power to all fields, batters hanging tough, pitchers using power and guile. Great fielding with catches on the run, diving catches, double plays. Brazen theiving runners. First class baseball by all teams. Go Titans!
  6. Old Doc
    6. Posted by Old Doc Thu Jun 11, 2009 2:01 pm EDT

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    Since I live just the other side of the freeway from CSF I surely would like to see them go the distance. They have given this old guy a lot of enjoyment so far. Whatever -- We can all look forward to a whole bunch of good solid baseball. Excellent coaching (Noe is an good choice, coach! a tough kid), hard charging base running, swinging bats and world series defense. Rah! Rah!
  7. Bobby W
    7. Posted by Bobby W Thu Jun 11, 2009 2:40 pm EDT

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    Being a life long hog fan, I had always wanted to play for Arizona state back in the 80's. But broke my ankle in my senior year. I hope the hogs can keep it together to enjoy this experience. Van Horn is an excellent coach and was a good ball player too. All the team s this year earned thier way and I hope all the games go the distant. I don't know much about the starting pitcher for CS. But the Hogs have found ways to score. Good luck to all the teams and play with sportsmanship!!!
  8. RubenVilla
    8. Posted by RubenVilla Thu Jun 11, 2009 3:08 pm EDT

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    Noe's gonna SHUT THESE RAZORBACKS DOWN! He has heart and will blow right through your Div. II batters!
    Razorbacks DONT UNPACK WHEN YOU GET TO OMAHA IT WONT BE LONG STAY!
  9. james
    9. Posted by james Thu Jun 11, 2009 3:26 pm EDT

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    bye bye fullerton...bye bye now. Thanks for making it easier for LSU! Hope Renken enjoys that elimination game with UVA.
  10. Fearthetusk
    10. Posted by Fearthetusk Thu Jun 11, 2009 7:56 pm EDT

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    That "Div. II offense" has lead the Razorbacks to a 5-0 record in the tourney and outscored opponents 56-19. It is a crying shame that Arkansas didn't get the nod in the "hottest team" category in Kendall's breakdown. Virginia even went so far as to lose a game against Ole Miss. Not sure I agree with the pick but hey I'm not Kendall. It will be a good series to be sure. Remember, Arkansas was ranked above CSF at one point and time. Just because they fell on their face at the end doesn't mean they forgot how to play ball. As demonstrated already in the tournament. I just can't wait to hit the field. Ready to get this one settled.
  11. Birdman
    11. Posted by Birdman Thu Jun 11, 2009 9:11 pm EDT

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    what ARK did against FSU was impressive. I think UVA got the hottest team from Kendall because they won the ACC tourney before their run to the CWS.
    Arkansas fans may take it as a sign of disrespect to be facing Ramirez instead of Renken but in terms of "stuff" Ramirez may be the best on Fullerton's staff. I know Serrano has confidence in all 3 of his starters. Look back to last year when he started his number 4 starter Wilson in the postseason. Fullerton preaches execution and Serrano feels all 3 of his starters can execute. Don't look past Ramirez, he can dominate some pretty good lineups. I don't think Fullerton will be looking passed Arkansas or any other team that has made it to the CWS. They have some great senior leaders who won't let this team lose focus. Best of Luck to all teams. Hope the Titans can win it for Jon Wilhite.
  12. pigsbabypigs
    12. Posted by pigsbabypigs Thu Jun 11, 2009 10:39 pm EDT

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    The Hog lefty's will have alot easier hitting this kid than the competition they faced all year in the SEC. I dont know anything about this guy they are starting, but i do know the hogs have struggled against solid left handers this year, so this "surprise" move from CSF is a welcome one in my opinion. GO PIGS.
  13. earl p
    13. Posted by earl p Fri Jun 12, 2009 11:23 am EDT

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    CSF is a great team a master of small ball and great pitching, but you have to throw your ace if for no other reason, recovery time. These kids need 5 days of rest or more in between starts The thinking here is the SEC is no West coast teams and great pitching will prevail, I think this logic will back fire, you can,t overlook Arkansas, and look ahead to LSU. But the West coast teams believe they are the real thing, Thats great to believe but you must prove it in the big games. LSU no cake walk verse the Cavs, But I believe one of the SEC teams will advance to the finals
  14. Spencer
    14. Posted by Spencer Fri Jun 12, 2009 12:12 pm EDT

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    Division II batters! haha nice.... Ask your west coast friends Washington State, Cal, and Arizona State about our division II bats. I believe it is 8-1 vs. the PAC10, I think this will be a great game, GO HOGS!
  15. lowbrass89
    15. Posted by lowbrass89 Fri Jun 12, 2009 9:21 pm EDT

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    blah blah blah. Down here in Fullerton we let our playing do the talking. Sure Arkansas has done well up to this point but maybe you guys should do some research on Noe before you open your big mouths. He has been great this whole season for the Titans and for you guys to bash on him just shows disrespect and immaturity from the Arkansas fans.
    If you guys do manage to beat us, we can rest assure we have our best guy still to come which puts us at good odds to make a run into the championship game from the loser's bracket but if you guys end up losing, you guys just wasted your best pitcher and could risk an early exit.
  16. Spencer
    16. Posted by Spencer Fri Jun 12, 2009 10:09 pm EDT

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    Nobody was bashing your pitcher? It would be insane to bash a guy that is like 9-1 with a rediculous ERA... I never even said we would hit the guy. I was saying division II bats was a busch league statement. Let the play do the talking, thats fine with me! I'm excited to be here, I'm actually excited to see that the kid is a righty because I know that we have been terrible against lefties, but have hit hard throwing righties pretty well all year. Calm down lowbrass absolutely no disrespect to the Titans they have done more than enough in the past to earn the respect of me.
  17. hogwild21
    17. Posted by hogwild21 Sat Jun 13, 2009 3:48 pm EDT

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    As you can see, I called this game on Post 1. The Hogs have crushed Ramirez for 6 ER in 3 2/3 inn. Thats over an 18.00 ERA. Great Job Noe, you truly are a beast! HAHA Way to get rocked!!!!! and GeorgiaHog, your an idiot! Im pretty positive my prediction was spot on. And EastLos Titan, Enjoy playing UVA in the loser's bracket. Hey, atleast you'll have Renken!!! Get your plan tickets ready for Wednesday when you lose to Ark or LSU!!!
  18. Spencer
    18. Posted by Spencer Sat Jun 13, 2009 7:35 pm EDT

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    So if D2 bats beat the dog of your pitcher does that make him D3?? Just wondering...

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