GCU treasures major league 'day in the life'

Wednesday, February 22

Scottsdale, Ariz.<br /><div class='schedule_game_facility'><a href='http://saltriverfields.com/'>Salt River Fields</a></div>

1:10 p.m.

Grand Canyon

Arizona Diamondbacks (Exhib.)

2/22/2017 5:51:00 PM | Baseball

Photo Gallery Box Score

By: Josh Hauser

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. - There were memories made by all on a sunny day at Salt River Fields as the Grand Canyon baseball team faced off against the Arizona Diamondbacks. In front of 5,176 fans at the ballpark, the Lopes and D-backs marked the unofficial start of Major League Baseball's spring training. More importantly for the Lopes, they experienced a major league atmosphere and got a taste of what it's like to go toe-to-toe with some of the world's best.

Freshman Tyler Hansen got the start on the mound for the Lopes, his first action in a GCU uniform. The first four batters Hansen was tasked with retiring AJ Pollock, Brandon Drury, Paul Goldschmidt and Jake Lamb.

"He's from Snowflake, Arizona. He hadn't ever seen this before," head coach Andy Stankiewicz said with a chuckle. "He was great. We said, 'don't be fearful.' I'm sure emotions were running a little high for him, but he did a great job."

Hansen pitched two innings, allowed two hits and two earned runs while walking just one.

In the first inning, Greg Saenz drew a walk but didn't linger with Goldschmidt at first base for too long, as he was quickly off to second base on a steal. Preston Pavlica, Zach Malis and Quin Cotton all recorded second-inning singles off of Frank Duncan, a top-25 D-backs prospect. Austin Bull, Saenz and Ian Evans teamed up to turn a double play.

Grand Canyon scored its run in the sixth inning. Griffin Barnes led off the frame with a walk, moved to third on a single by Tyler Wyatt, and scored on an RBI ground out from Tanner Baker. Cuba Bess also singled in the inning.

"We want our program to move and play in big ballparks and regionals and super regionals and hopefully Omaha to the point where the surroundings, this type of environment is somewhere they can feel comfortable," Stankiewicz said. "I think any time that you can get them in front of some people and some competition that's obviously really good, I think it will help us develop in the future."

The ballpark had a noticeably purple hue, as GCU fans came out in full force. The nationally-recognized GCU Havocs had a large section in the right-center field grass, making the Lopes feel right at home.

"It's about our administration, our fans coming out and watching us play," Stankiewicz said. "Plus our guys getting to play in this beautiful stadium."

With the exhibition in the rearview mirror, the Lopes have a quick turnaround as they head to Wichita, Kansas to take on Wichita State in a three-game series. For information on the times of the games and how to follow along, visit the schedule.