AFTER STRIKING OUT SEVEN, MARTINEZ PRONOUNCES SELF FIT.

Byline: Chris Cocoles Daily News Staff Writer

It was hardly a typical night of Single-A California League baseball at Lancaster Municipal Stadium on Thursday.

But the JetHawks, winners of six straight and leading the California League's Valley Division, ignored the hoopla of stepping in against Dodgers pitcher Ramon Martinez, making a rehabilitation start with the San Bernardino Stampede.

Martinez retired the first two batters of the game but went single, walk, single and walk before striking out Jim Horner with the bases loaded and a run in to end the inning. The JetHawks went on to win 4-1.

Martinez made his fourth start at San Bernardino after the 29-year-old tore his right rotator cuff in late June. He allowed one run, three hits and three walks while striking out seven in 4-1/3 innings.

``It was good. I made a lot of pitches (89). It was a good workout and it was pain-free,'' Martinez said. ``I could say right now I'm at 100 percent, if not, than 99.''

JetHawks first baseman Shawn Buhner already had his way with the Seattle Mariners' left-hander Randy Johnson, at least compared to his teammates. Jay's little brother went 2 for 2 with two RBI against the Big Unit in a preseason exhibition game at The Hangar.

``He's going to be the same guy that he's always been . . . one of the premier starting pitchers in the National League,'' said Buhner before the game. He sent a line drive over the head of Martinez into center field for a run-scoring single in the first. ``We don't want to fail.''

Third baseman Cirilo Cruz was Martinez's only hindrance when he opposed the JetHawks on July 30 at San Bernardino. Cruz, who collected both hits in Martinez's 3-2/3 scoreless innings, struck out twice the second time around. He had rather simplistic advice for his colleagues during batting practice.

``Just be calm. See the ball and hit it hard. Don't be nervous.''

Easy for him to say. The JetHawks only have to hit off Martinez.

Consider Stampede catcher Jason Brown, 23, a rookie whose professional baptism was in June at short-season Yakima.

Crespi High School product Casey Snow was Martinez's battery mate until being sent down to Great Falls. Brown caught Martinez in his previous outing last Saturday and earned another appearance on manager Dino Ebel's lineup card Thursday night.

``(Martinez's) stuff is so good I don't think I can call a bad pitch,'' said Brown, who completed his eligibility at USC in the spring. ``He ends up throwing what he wants to anyway.''

To young minor-league players like Brown, Martinez is their inspiration. For some, a remote fantasy of someday taking the field at Dodger Stadium.

``Our guys get a chance to see a major-leaguer in action. Watching how he warms up in the bullpen and prepares for games,'' Ebel said. ``All they can do is learn from him.''

``He's been so good about (his four starts with San Bernardino). In his position, it's easy for him not to be like that,'' Brown said. ``He doesn't have to be. But he's been great.''