The Pepperdine baseball squad concluded its 2026 campaign on a disappointing note, falling 9‑2 to the Santa Clara Broncos in a tightly contested matchup.
Coach Tyler LaTorre, speaking after the final inning, emphasized the steady progress the team has shown throughout the year, noting that the players’ effort was evident in every at‑bat and defensive play.
The Waves finished the season with 21 victories, the highest win total since the 2022 roster, and secured 15 conference wins, the most in a single year since 2018, propelling them to a fourth‑place finish in the league — a stark contrast to being projected ninth in the preseason poll.
Key moments punctuated the game: James Dell'Amico’s sacrifice fly in the second inning drove in the first run, while Max Aude’s line drive that ricocheted off the wall set up the scoring play. Defensive standout Kai Laxa made a highlight‑reel grab in the top of the second, preserving early momentum.
Relief pitcher Dylan Stewart entered in the fifth to steady the ship after Casey Euper navigated a jam with two runners on and one out, ultimately preserving a 2‑0 lead for the Waves before Santa Clara pulled away.
Saint Mary's later added eight runs in the eighth inning against Lucien Wechsberg, underscoring the competitive nature of the schedule, but the Waves’ overall performance was marked by resilience and growth.
A Turnaround Worth Celebrating
The contributions extended beyond the headline acts, with veterans Trey Dunn and Ian Armstrong providing steady defense, while freshman Gabe Maya added depth at the plate, illustrating the breadth of talent on the roster.
Looking ahead, Coach LaTorre expressed optimism that the momentum built this season will carry into the next campaign, as the program aims to build on its recent surge and challenge for higher conference standing.