CORONA, Calif. --- Transfer pitchers have had a tremendous positive impact on coach Justin Hixson's pitching staff over the past two seasons, with guys like Wyatt Haccou, Buddy Brouwer and Gabe Ihrig making a big difference. Josh Ludeman will hope to provide similar positive contributions in 2018 when he joins the team after two seasons at Santa Ana College.
 
Ludeman comes to Biola after two years with the Dons following a successful high school career at Centennial High School in Corona. He was All-Academic first team in high school and pitched 27 innings in relief for Santa Ana in 2017. He struck out 25 guys in those 27 innings of work and kept his ERA in the low-3s.

"Josh was converted to a pitcher just last year, which is part of what excited us about Josh," said Head Coach Jay Sullenger. "One — having a few less pitches thrown and two — his athleticism excited us as to what the future would hold with him long term on the bump. He showed a mid to upper 80's fastball and good feel for a slider. Josh most importantly demonstrated a desire to continue to grow in his relationship with Christ and want to continue growing as a team of men with that type of heart."
 
He went to Santa Ana College for two years to take their fire tech coursework because when he's done putting out fires on the mound he hopes for a career as a firefighter.
 
"I chose Biola because this school presented a great opportunity for to bring baseball, school and my faith together," said Ludeman.
 
Ludeman plans to study kinesiology when he comes into Biola this fall and you can catch him suiting up for the Eagles beginning in January.