COLLEGE BASEBALL: ZARLEY COMES HOME IN A NEW UNIFORM.

Byline: Chris Cocoles Staff Writer

Sometime this weekend, Justin Zarley will be summoned from the bullpen to pitch for Cal State Northridge's baseball team with a unique backdrop.

The Matadors' Clash of the Conferences tournament returns to Lancaster, Zarley's hometown. It won't be the first time he takes the mound at Lancaster Municipal Stadium. But it will feel different.

One of his final appearances in a Lancaster High uniform was at the Larry Lake All-Star Game, held at The Hangar last spring.

``That field is sweet,'' Zarley said of the facility housing the Single-A JetHawks of the California League. ``The grass is so nice.''

Zarley regularly attended JetHawks games at The Hangar. Now he'll get an opportunity to play college baseball there.

The Matadors open the tournament tonight at 6 against Oregon State (those teams also played a non-tournament game in Lancaster Thursday night). San Diego State, San Diego and Washington will also participate.

``It'll be cold,'' said Zarley, who unlike many of his CSUN teammates won't be stunned by the expected winter chill in the Antelope Valley. ``It'll be fun. That's what I'm hoping for. Having fun and that we win.''

The victories haven't been coming the Matadors' way yet. At 3-10 they took a frustrating seven-game losing streak into Thursday's. Six times in that span, the winning runs were scored in the opponent's last at-bats.

CSUN players, most of whom didn't play on last season's Big West Conference-championship team, are excited to play in an immaculate minor- league stadium.

The city of Lancaster puts on the tournament, and there has been talk The Hangar could be a future home for postseason regional competition if the JetHawks' schedule can accommodate it. But the Matadors are more concerned about regaining some lost momentum, not the snappy clubhouse and hospitality that made last season's inaugural event memorable.

``Yeah, it's going to be exciting playing at a great facility against some really good teams,'' senior first baseman Aaron McKenzie said. ``We've reached the point where we need to turn things around.''

Despite the tough start for the team, Zarley has been sharp over two relief appearances. The right-hander allowed two hits in 1 2/3 scoreless innings.

But the college game has been anything but easy. At Lancaster, which won the Golden League championship and advanced to the Southern Section quarterfinals during Zarley's junior season, he dominated purely on his talent.

Under first-year CSUN head coach Steve Rousey, also the team's pitching instructor, Zarley is learning the ``Pitch to your principles'' philosophy.

``We've got a whole new system: Throw low strikes. What's the batter thinking? What pitch should I throw? What pitch do you think I'm going to throw?'' Zarley said. ``(In high school) you just go out there and show them your stuff. You're the big dog out there. Now everyone is the big dog out there. So you've got to shine.''

Zarley added a changeup to his pitching repertoire. He'd never thrown one before. He credits Rousey for quickly making the pitch work when necessary. Zarley understands the reality that each of the nine batters in the opposing lineup can hurt him.

Rousey has given each of his pitches opportunities to develop a role. Zarley's, thus far, is undefined. But with five games over four days awaiting CSUN in Lancaster, everyone figures to get in a game.

``His long-term prospects are good. There's no question about that. He's got the ability,'' Rousey said of Zarley. ``He's a competitive guy, he goes out there and he is into what he's doing. And he has a deep desire to outduel the batter.''

And the coaches in the opposite dugout. Zarley wasn't accustomed to the risk that his pitch signals would be swiped.

``It's a whole other game. A whole new level of baseball right here,'' Zarley said. ``There's a bunch of mental work. Signs everywhere. You can get your pitches picked. It's crazy.''

But that's exactly what he wanted. His parents, Vicki and Jack Zarley, told Justin they couldn't afford to pay for a four-year college. So he longed to earn a scholarship, which the Matadors offered. Long Beach State also made a call. But meeting former Matadors players from the Golden League - Highland's Jason Allec and Palmdale's Jason Gorman - convinced Zarley that CSUN was a good fit.

It beats the GI look.

``My mom and dad always said I'd join the Army if I didn't get to go to college,'' he said. ``I had a cool opportunity here and took it. I worked hard in high school. I would have went (into the service). Not willingly. I just wanted to play baseball. Playing in college has been my dream. Now I'll try to get to the next level.''

CLASH OF THE CONFERENCES

When and where: Today-Sunday at Lancaster Municipal Stadium; Tickets available at the stadium ticket office.

Tournament schedule:

Today: 10 a.m.: Washington vs. San Diego; 2 p.m.: San Diego State vs. Oregon State; 6 p.m.: CSUN vs. Oregon State.

Saturday: 10 a.m.: San Diego vs. Oregon State; 2 p.m.: CSUN vs. Washington; 6 p.m.: CSUN vs. San Diego State.

Sunday: 9:30 a.m.: Washington vs. San Diego State; 1:30 p.m.: CSUN vs. San Diego.

CAPTION(S):

photo, box

Photo:

Cal State Northridge pitcher Justin Zarley returns to Lancaster when the Matadors play in the Clash of the Conferences at Lancaster Municipal Stadium.

John McCoy/Staff Photographer

Box:

CLASH OF THE CONFERENCES (see text)