MALIBU, Calif. - Pepperdine baseball head coach Steve Rodriguez announced the signing of 2015 recruit Easton Lucas to a National Letter of Intent on Friday.

Lucas is a 6-3 left-handed pitcher, who hails from Simi Valley, Calif. where he played his high school ball at Grace Brethren under coach Barry Tolli.

"Easton Lucas is a great young left-handed pitcher who will contribute right away to our pitching staff," said Rodriguez. "At 6-3, Easton is very athletic on the mound and can throw three quality pitches. He is also going to contribute off the field as he is a great student."

Lucas was named All-League first team and team MVP as a junior last season, compiling a 2.35 ERA in 38.2 innings pitched. The lefty struck out 42 batters while allowing just seven walks all year. Also a threat at the plate, Lucas hit .385 with seven doubles and a .449 on-base percentage. The numbers were just as impressive in the spring of 2013 when Lucas posted a 1.53 ERA with 33 strikeouts and seven walks in 32 innings pitched. This past summer he was selected to the New York Yankees Area Code Games team.

"I chose Pepperdine because I know it's a great school, with good academics and a great baseball program," said Lucas. "The campus is beautiful and close to where I live, so my family can come watch games. I like the coaches a ton, and to top it off it's a Christian school, which is very important to me."

Lucas will join the Waves for the 2016 season. He is the first signed prospect in this year's class.

Pepperdine opens the 2015 season on Feb. 13 as they look to defend their WCC title after making a run into the NCAA Super Regional last season. The Waves open at home with a three-game series against Tulane.