The Pepperdine Waves baseball squad is gearing up for a decisive series against the Santa Clara Broncos that could lock in a first‑round bye in the West Coast Conference tournament.
Pitching duel
Thursday's starter for Pepperdine, Casey Euper, brings a 5‑3 record and a 3.02 ERA, while Santa Clara counters with Max Bayles, who sits at 4‑3 with a 2.69 ERA. Both right‑handers have been instrumental in their teams' recent stretches.
Euper's performance comes on the heels of a strong outing that helped the Waves snap a brief slump, and his ability to keep hitters off balance will be a key factor. Bayles, meanwhile, has posted a string of quality starts that have kept the Broncos within striking distance of the conference cutoff.
A legacy of success
Pepperdine's baseball program boasts a rich history, highlighted by the 1992 NCAA National Championship and 28 NCAA Tournament appearances, a testament to the sustained excellence cultivated at Pepperdine University.
The Waves arrive at a 21‑29 overall record and a 15‑9 mark in conference play, while the Broncos sit at 22‑28 overall and 10‑14 in the WCC, making the upcoming matchup a battle for the final tournament spot.
With the regular season winding down, the stakes are high; a win for the Waves would not only boost their postseason seeding but also cement their reputation as a resilient mid‑major program.
Beyond the mound, the Waves' lineup is on fire. Joshua Woodworth currently rides a 14‑game hit streak, and Daniel Patterson leads the team with ten multiple‑run games, underscoring the depth of the offense.
Kai Laxa has also been a catalyst, raising his season average to .315 and notching nine multi‑hit games since April 14, a stretch that has helped the team climb the conference leaderboard.
The series will be played on the Malibu campus, while Santa Clara's home games will be held in Santa Clara, California, adding a geographic edge to the rivalry.
Fans and alumni alike are watching closely, hoping the Waves can translate their regular‑season momentum into a postseason run that could echo past triumphs.