Talented prep hurler who saw most of his playing time out of the bullpen as a freshman at San Diego State and is expected to continue in that role this season ... Competed for the Corvallis (Ore.) Knights in the West Coast Collegiate League during the summer of 2011 ... Played summer ball in the Connie Mack League for different teams each of the previuos three summers ... Played for the Renegade in 2010, the Liquid Experience in 2009 and the CBA Royals in 2008.
SAN DIEGO STATE 2011
Recorded four relief appearances before a starting assignment against Cal State Northridge on May 10 ... Went only one inning in that contest and was not involved in the decision ... Longest stint was two innings against Oral Roberts on April 3 when he allowed a pair of runs and had a season-high two strikeouts ... In his four relief appearances covering 5.1 innings compiled a 5.03 earned run average.
HIGH SCHOOL
Three-year baseball letterman at Carlsbad High School ... Played there for Head Coach Chris Greene ... Named team's pitcher of the year both as a junior and senior ...Holds the Carlsbad HS career marks for strikeouts and innings pitched plus the school single-season record for strikeouts ... Compiled a record of 4-5 with one save and a 3.23 earned run average as a senior in 2010 ... Recorded 67 strikeouts in 65 innings ... Batted .214 (9-for-41) at the plate with one double and two triples ... Had a .945 fielding percentage as a catcher over 178 innings of work ... Named second-team all-Palomar League ... As a junior went 2-6 with a 3.88 earned run average, striking out 49 over 52.1 innings.
PERSONAL
Justin Matthew Hepner was born on February 4, 1992 in San Diego, Calif. ... Son of Rick and Lynda Hepner ... Plans to play baseball professionally ... Favorite athlete is Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Roy Halladay ... Hobbies include snowboarding, working out and going to the beach ... Also recruited by New Mexico State ... A health communications major at SDSU.
