GCU Falls in 11-Inning Loss to Tampa

Saturday, March 10

Tampa, FL

5 p.m.

Grand Canyon

9-13

Tampa

15-3

Grand Canyon

Tampa

3/10/2012 8:46:00 PM | Baseball

Box Score

The Grand Canyon University baseball team fell short in an 11-inning battle tonight falling 9-8 to No.1 Tampa at University of Tampa Stadium in Tampa, Fla.

The loss drops the Antelopes to 9-13 on the season, Tampa improves to 15-3.

Grand Canyon came out strong scoring two runs in the first inning. Michael Pomeroy reached on an error and advanced to second before designated hitter Derek Mendoza stepped up to the plate, hitting a two-run homer down the right field line.

Tampa responded, scoring one run in the second and two in the third. After a scoreless fourth inning, GCU tied the game in the top of the fifth. Harlyn Griffiths reached on a fielding error advancing to second off a base hit by Ernesto Ortiz. Aaron Mees grounded out to the pitcher but advanced both runners into scoring positions. A throwing error sent Griffiths home to tie the game 3-3.

The Spartans scored two runs in the bottom of the fifth and again the ‘Lopes responded with two in the sixth. A single by Lucas Leifeld and Griffiths would put runners on first and second with one out. Another single by Ortiz would load the bases and a right field single by Nick Chapman would bring Leifeld and Griffiths across home plate, 5-5.

Tampa scored in the seventh inning to pull ahead 6-5 before GCU tied it up in the eighth. Ortiz walked and a single by Mees put runners on first and second. Chapman singled to right and advanced to second on a fielding error bringing in the run, 6-6.

The two teams were locked in at 6-6 after nine innings. Despite solid at-bats, including a double by Pomeroy and a single by Mendoza to bring in two runs in the 11^th inning, the Antelopes fell short when Tampa battled back to score three, winning the game 9-8.

Grand Canyon will complete the three-game series when they face Tampa again tomorrow at 8 a.m. (Arizona Time).

GCU 8, Tampa 9