CJ Moran, a sophomore on the San Diego Toreros baseball team, played a key role in the team’s recent comeback win against Michigan. In the bottom of the tenth inning, with the score tied and the winning run on third base, Moran delivered an opposite-field single to secure a 6-5 victory for San Diego.
Reflecting on facing a Big Ten opponent, Moran said: “For me it’s being able to showcase our talent to the world. For me it’s a Big Ten team, big time name, and I really wanna let everyone know what we’re about — I know how great we are and how great we can be.”
Although San Diego lost its next two games to Michigan, head coach Brock Ungricht emphasized the importance of teamwork within the program. “They play together. They believe in one another. They’re gonna pick each other up like they did tonight,” Ungricht said after Friday’s win. “There’s no pout, there’s no quit, there’s no selfishness. That’s our process, and I give our guys a lot of credit.”
Moran transferred from San Diego State University last fall and credited assistant coach Mitch Holland and Ungricht for helping him adjust quickly to his new team. He explained: “From my first conversation with M.H. [Holland], I just knew it was different. Just the way he talked about baseball. The plan they had for me. The way they did their research,” Moran said. “Talking with Two-Five as well [Ungricht], I was like, okay. These coaches care about their players. Every day you’re walking in to the building you’re saying hello, you’re stopping by having a five-minute conversation — you’re building these relationships with the coaches that go beyond baseball.”
During his freshman year at SDSU, Moran posted strong numbers including a .377 batting average and 36 RBIs. Since joining San Diego this season, he has continued his success with an .819 OPS through 11 games along with four doubles, one home run, 11 RBIs and four stolen bases.
Moran discussed mechanical changes he made to improve his hitting since transferring schools: “In the fall it was very mechanical, very analytical. I had a complete swing change from last year and really tried to tap into more power, tap into using my legs more,” he said. “Josh [Nicoloff] has been awesome. He’s been my guide. Him and M.H.[Holland] have been really working with me and my swing — I’m the best hitter I’ve ever been. I feel the best I’ve ever been, more powerful than I’ve ever been. Knowing they have a plan for me, I’ve trusted that plan. Now it’s just about going out there, having fun and executing,” he added.
Moran grew up in Murrieta between San Diego and Los Angeles in an athletic family; both parents played college sports at UC Riverside while his brothers compete at Nebraska (track) and Hope International University (baseball). He described his family as central to his support system during college.
Off campus in San Diego, Moran enjoys spending time at Mission Beach with teammates or attending Padres games at Petco Park: “Being in San Diego has made me a fan of the Padres. Being able to go to games with my family, it’s right down the street — and nothing beats Petco Park either,” he said.
He also mentioned frequent visits to The Taco Stand for California burritos: “I think I’ve gone there so many times.I can’t even count how many times.I just love the California burrito.They’re homemade tortillas.Nothing beats that,” Moran said.
With early contributions on offense and integration into team culture noted by both himself and coaching staff alike,Moran appears poised for continued impact as conference play approaches.
