LA MIRADA, Calif. --- Tristan Workman was the biggest difference maker in the Citrus Belt League during his senior year at Citrus Valley High School. The Biola coaching staff hopes Workman will be the same impact player for the Eagles that he was for the Blackhawks when they won the league title in 2017.

"Tristan is an experienced, successful young arm that we feel fortunate to have join our staff," said Head Coach Jay Sullenger. "Coach Hixson was excited to find the talent and fit we did in a young man with Tristan's size. He projects to contend right away for a spot in the rotation and to get meaningful innings as he learns the system."

Workman comes to Biola as a two-time selection to the all-league first team and the Citrus Belt MVP in 2017. He went 7-1 with a team-best 1.25 ERA and 67 strikeouts during his senior season. He also served as the Blackhawks' designated hitter when he wasn't on the rubber; Workman delivered an 11th-inning grand slam in Citrus Valley's most pivotal league win of the year against Yucaipa on April 25.

Biola intends to use Workman as a pitcher rather than as a designated hitter.

"I chose Biola because it offered me the chance to attend a Christian university in California that was the perfect distance from home," said Workman

He starts classes at Biola next week and plans to major in speech pathology. He joins the baseball team for fall practices as the Eagles prepare for the 2018 season.