Titan Starter Jumps Ship to Join Matadors

One of the best hitters from a team that was ranked in college baseball’s top 10 most of last season has transferred to Cal State Northridge, which might not even have a team after next season.

Nakia Hill, an infielder who batted .357 with seven home runs and started 55 of 64 games for Cal State Fullerton, has switched over to the Matadors.

Hill, who will be a junior, said his move was based on a “combination of things.”

One factor, he said, was a personality conflict with assistant coach Rick Vanderhook.

“We had some problems and then the year didn’t end the way I wanted it to,” Hill said. “I had that last at-bat taken away from me at Stanford and that didn’t seem right.”

Fullerton Coach George Horton replaced Hill with pinch-hitter Ryan Fullerton in the bottom of the ninth inning in the NCAA West regional game against Fresno State.

The Titans trailed, 8-7, and had the bases loaded with one out. Fullerton grounded into a double play that ended the rally, the game, and the Titans’ season.

Horton told Hill during an after-the-season meeting that his playing time might be limited next season. Hill said he planned to ask Horton to release him from his scholarship anyway.

Another former Fullerton player, pitcher Tim Baron, also is headed for Northridge.

Two of Northridge’s top pitchers, Benny Flores and Erasmo Ramirez, announced their transfers to Fullerton in June.