June  20, 1991, Thursday, FINAL EDITION

SECTION: SPORTS; Pg. 6C
LENGTH: 391 words
HEADLINE: For hot Erickson, game's the thing
BYLINE: Chuck Johnson
DATELINE: BALTIMORE

 BODY:
     Scott Erickson is poise personified.

   ''I just try to go out there and stay focused on the game,'' said the Minnesota Twins' right-hander. ''I don't get caught up in the environment or the crowd reaction, I just concentrate on the job at hand.''

   It seems nothing rattles Erickson - not even getting pulled for a reliever when he has a one-hit shutout going after six innings.

   ''I had walked a few guys (five) and it was the right decision,'' Erickson said Tuesday after posting his club-record 11th consecutive victory, 9-2 against the Baltimore Orioles.

   Erickson, who leads the majors with an 11-2 record and a 1.51 earned run average, is a virtual shoo-in as an AL All-Star, likely as the starter. But, as usual, he's not looking that far ahead.

   ''When you stay focused on one game as opposed to a whole season, it makes things a lot easier,'' he said.

   Since Sept. 1, Erickson has been the most dominating pitcher in the majors with a 16-2 record and 1.46 ERA. He is on target to become the first pitcher to win 20 games during his first calendar year in the majors since the New York Yankees' Bob Grim in 1954.

   ''It's been really unbelievable the way he's throwing the ball,'' said Twins reliever Rick Aguilera. ''What impresses me most is he can be this young and nothing seems to be going to his head. He's working just as hard as always and he's not prancing around here like he's a big shot or popping off.''

   Erickson, 23, was drafted in the fourth round in 1989 by the Twins. A year ago, he was pitching in Class AA Orlando before being called up June 21. He made his major league debut with a 9-1 victory against Texas and finished 1990 with an 8-4 record and 2.87 ERA.

   Before signing with the Twins, Erickson was drafted three times previously, by the New York Mets (36th round, 1986), Houston Astros, (34th round, 1987), and Toronto Blue Jays (44th round, 1988).

   ''Basically, I felt I would be better off to get my education,'' said Erickson, who graduated from San Jose City College, where he was a junior college All-American. ''If a team is going to have as much confidence as the Twins showed in me, then that's when you want to sign.''

   Erickson has surprised even himself with his success as the leader of a top-notch staff.

   ''I don't feel it's anything about the way I prepare. I just feel I've been very lucky.''