Silvestri collects 4 hits as GCU tops Sonoma State

Sunday, February 12

Phoenix, Ariz.

Grand Canyon

Sonoma State

2/12/2006 10:00:00 PM | Baseball

PHOENIX — Giancarlo Silvestri collected 4 hits and scored 3 runs as Grand Canyon University (4-3) defeated Sonoma State (6-1) on Sunday afternoon at Brazell Stadium by a score of 14-11.

The Seawolves jumped out early scoring 4 unearned runs in the first inning off of Lopes starter Raul Rojas. GCU answered with 2 runs in their half of the first inning on a Brian Smith 2 run double scoring Cody Johns and Matt Henne. The Lopes went on to score in every inning after that except the 4 th inning while they barraged Sonoma State with 20 hits while all 9 starters reached base via a base hit.

Sonoma State tried to claw back with 2 runs in the 6 th , a run in the 7 th and three more in the 8 th but every time the Seawolves tried to get something started GCU would react with more scoring of their own. In addition to Silvestri five other Lopes enjoyed multi hit games. Johns scored 3 runs collecting 3 hits while Josh Melum also added 3 hits and 2 RBI to the hit parade. Craig Daniel, Brian Smith, Matt Michael and Jacob Hanna all collected 2 hits apiece. Henne added a double while scoring two runs and driving one in and Brad Western rounded out the starters with an RBI base hit of his own.

Rojas got the call to start making his first career appearance with the Lopes going 3.0 innings while yielding 5 runs (1 earned). Brian Boyer came on to pitch 2.0 innings to pick up his first victory of the season. Brett White went 1.0 inning for Sonoma allowing 4 runs (all earned) on 4 hits picking up the loss. Michael came on to pitch the final 1.2 innings picking up his 2 nd save of the season while striking out 4 including Ryan Johnson to end the game.

GCU is back in action on Friday when Cal State Dominguez Hills comes to Brazell Stadium for a four game series. First pitch is set for 7:00 PM.