WHITTIER, Calif. --- Fans of California High School Baseball will not have to go far to watch one of their standouts play at the collegiate level. Starting shortstop and right-handed pitcher Gilbert Lopez will be less than five miles away and even keep his wings as he transition from the Condors to playing for the Biola Eagles after this year.

Lopez has earned two All-Del Rio League selection and has helped the Condors to a winn record each of the last three seasons. MaxPreps credits him with 44 hits and 31 runs scored in 57 games over the past two years to go along with a 29-14 walk-to-strikeout ratio.

On the mound, Lopez has kept his ERA below 2.50 over that same span of time and 46 strikeouts in 61 innings. The Biola coaching staff was particularly impressed by Lopez' plus-grade arm and speed out of the left-handers batter box: he also stole 21 bases over his sophomore and junior seasons.

Academically, Lopez has been named to the Cal High Principal's List and was also given the Achievement of Merit. He plans to major in kinesiology when he enrolls at Biola in the fall and hopes to become an athletic trainer or physical therapist. When asked about what made Biola stood out to him, Lopez emphasized how welcomed he felt by the baseball coaches and team:

"Biola became a second home to me after attending a camp and consistently being in contact with the coaches," said Lopez. "With their help I feel like the team took me in not only as a recruit but also a brother."

While Lopez continues his senior season with the Condors, Biola will open its 2019 campaign at Cal State LA on February 4 before hosting Hope International on February 6 for the Eagles' home opener.  More information about other incoming student-athletes can be found on the Committed Athletes page.