The article below originally appeared in the San Mateo Daily Journal and is being reprinted with permission.

By virtue of two consecutive scoreless outings, College of San Mateo right-hander Keone Cabinian was named the Northern California Pitcher of the Week for the week of March 22-29 by the California Community College Baseball Coaches Association.

The freshman went four scoreless innings in relief March 22 in CSM’s 5-4 loss to Chabot, after which Cabinian was tabbed for his second start of the year March 29 at West Valley. Because the game was postponed due to rain, however, the teams matched up March 30 at CSM with Cabinian firing a five-hit shutout in a 3-0 win.

“We certainly like that he stepped up and he’s got the stuff to do it,” CSM manager Doug Williams said. “He’s competitive … and he’s certainly a big piece of the puzzle here.”

The Bulldogs have featured a solid group of freshman arms this year. Only one start thus far has fallen to a sophomore, that being Skylar Fuss who has worked 11 of his 12 appearances in relief to pace the team out of the pen. Thursday’s winning pitcher over City College of San Francisco, freshman Sam Hellinger, leads the team with nine starts. Freshman Conyal Cody has made eight starts.

The third spot in the rotation had been shared between four other pitchers until Cabinian emerged Sunday. But while he is on track to remain in the rotation, Williams said he could be used in any pitching role as the Bulldogs enter the stretch run in third place, 2 1/2 games back of first-place Chabot.

“We’re getting down the stretch here,” Williams said. “We’re going to be using people whenever they’re needed. I would say he’s certainly amenable to that. He’s a team guy. He’s pitched himself into the rotation and he’s also up for being used at any time to help the team win.”