Orioles' Erickson Charged With Assault

Monday, July 22nd 2002, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

BALTIMORE (AP) _ Baltimore Orioles pitcher Scott Erickson was charged Monday with assaulting his girlfriend after she confronted him about whether he was cheating on her, police said.

Erickson and Lisa Ortiz had a ``heated argument'' that ended with Erickson throwing her to the floor of an elevator in the building where they live, according to a police report.

The right-handed pitcher told police Ortiz bit him on his right arm, causing a bruise and swelling. Police also said Erickson's right foot was bleeding and they found blood stains leading from the couple's condominium to the elevator.

Erickson and Ortiz told police they did not require medical attention.

Erickson had a disappointing outing Sunday, allowing five runs and seven hits in five innings in the Orioles' 8-7 loss to the Chicago White Sox.

Police said the fight began early Monday with Ortiz throwing items around the apartment. Erickson told Ortiz he wanted her to leave.

Erickson grabbed Ortiz, picked her up and put her in the hallway, police said. When she tried to get back inside, police said Erickson ``grabbed her around the neck and threw her to the floor.'' He gripped her hair and pulled her toward the elevator, where he threw her inside and sent the elevator to the lobby, police said.

Ortiz returned to the couple's floor, and police said she kicked on the door until Erickson answered, but he pushed her back into the hall.

Police said Erickson told them he grabbed Ortiz around the waist ``in an attempt to calm her down.'' Ortiz bit him, but Erickson said he ``continued to take her to the elevator, where he sent her down to the lobby,'' according to the police report.

Erickson was released from custody early Monday. Ortiz was not charged.

A hearing in district court was set for Sept. 6.

An Orioles spokesman said the team would not comment until it had more information about the arrest.

Erickson missed all of last season after undergoing elbow surgery in August 2000.

He was the Orioles' opening day pitcher this season. He had been winless from April 28 until Tuesday, when he defeated the Seattle Mariners.

Erickson broke into the major leagues in 1990 with the Minnesota Twins. He pitched a no-hitter against Milwaukee on April 27, 1994, with the Twins.