CSUN might not have had the season they wanted as a team but junior pitcher Alex Muren and freshman ace Jerry Keel have had nothing but good news this offseason.
Muren was drafted in the 12th round by the Minnesota Twins with the 370th overall pick in this season’s MLB draft. Last season Muren pitched his way to a 5-8 record as the Matadors’ usual Friday starter.
The right-hander earned a 5.30 ERA and showed his ability to pitch deep into games with two complete games last year, including a one-hit gem early this season against Northwestern.
Muren will take his talents to Fort Myers, Fla. to pitch for the Twins’ Rookie “A” Gulf Coast League affiliate.
Fellow starter Keel was named the Big West Freshman Pitcher of the Year for his 6-3 freshman campaign.
On the year Keel compiled a 2.07 ERA with a team-high 48 strikeouts in 91.1 innings, second only to Muren.
The freshman made 13 starts with two resulting in complete-game outings.
Keel was also named to the Louisville Slugger Freshman All-American team along with being selected for the All-Big West Second Team.
Senior Steven Keller earned an honorable mention in his senior season as the Matadors’ designated hitter.
Keller hit .287 with five homeruns and 15 runs batted in for CSUN with his best game coming against San Diego in a four-RBI, two-HR performance on March 1.
