Pirates on to next level

Orange Coast College baseball players who helped the Pirates win their second straight California Community College Athletic Assn. title in 2015, have lined up homes at four-year schools, OCC Coach John Altobelli said Thursday.

Altobelli said sophomore pitcher Dominic Purpura and sophomore catcher Jack Kruger, who shared MVP honors at the state tournament in Fresno, are bound for San Diego State and Mississippi State, respectively.

Scott Serigstad, a sophomore pitcher last spring, will play for Cal State Fullerton, while shortstop Jeff Nellis will also compete in the Big West Conference representing Long Beach State.

Altobelli said sophomore outfielder Robert Longtree and pitcher Tanner Murphey will play next season at Georgetown of Kentucky, an NAIA school.

Art Vidrio, a sophomore pitcher who amassed 17 career victories in two seasons at OCC, is bound for Lee University in Cleveland, Tenn., which competes in the National Christian College Athletic Assn.

Altobelli said sophomore pitcher/designated hitter Stephen Corona was leaning toward Houston Baptist, while sophomore second baseman Chaneng Varela is strongly considering UC Riverside.

OCC sophomore outfielder Tommy Bell had committed earlier in the season to continue at New Mexico State.

— Barry Faulkner