GCU Wins Third Straight Over Omaha

Sunday, March 9

Brazell Stadium

12:30 p.m.

Grand Canyon

7-8

Omaha

5-7

Omaha

Grand Canyon

Chris Lindmark went 2-for-4 with a run scored in Sunday's game

Photo by: Theon Carrier

3/9/2014 3:38:00 PM | Baseball

Box Score

Open WAC play next weekend at Bakersfield

The Grand Canyon University baseball team (7-8) picked up their third straight victory over Omaha (5-7) as they defeated the Mavericks 5-2 in the series finale today at Brazell Stadium. The Antelopes had another strong day at the plate, collecting 10 hits while the pitching staff did not allow a run until the eighth inning.

"It's not easy to lose a series opener and come back and win three," said head coach Andy Stankiewicz. "I am proud of the team. Today was one of our most complete games we've played this year. We played some nice defense, highlighted by that big double play to end the game. We had some good at-bats and good situational hitting. That gives us a chance to be competitive."

Coley Bruns (2-0) was effective yet again for the 'Lopes on the mound, surrendering just one run on six hits and a walk with six strikeouts over 7.1 innings. Bruns got himself out of a couple of jams, including two consecutive fly outs to leave the bases loaded in the third.

"From a pitching standpoint, Coley was terrific," added Stankiewicz. "He was around the zone, his slider and changeup were working, which kept them off balance."

Scott Serigstad tossed 1.2 innings of relief en route to securing his first-career save. It didn't come without some dramatics, though, as Omaha loaded the bases with one out in the top of the ninth. A ground ball double play to second base ended the threat and the game.

"To get Scott in there in a legitimate save opportunity was great and he made some big pitches when he had to," Stankiewicz said.

David Walker, Paul Panaccione, Matt Haggerty, and Chris Lindmark each had multi-hit games with two apiece, while Haggerty plated three runs. Walker had three stolen bases in the contest.

The 'Lopes jumped out to an early 3-0 lead after scoring a run in the second and two in the third. Haggerty scored Humberto Aranda on a single to right field after the catcher opened the second inning with a double to left.

In the third, Walker, Panaccione, and Chad De La Guerra collected three straight hits as GCU tacked on two more runs to make it a 3-0 game.

GCU struck again in the fifth and sixth innings, as Haggerty picked up his third RBI to score Charles Wagner in the fifth. In the sixth, Panaccione plated Lindmark on a single to left field.

The Mavericks got on the board in the eighth inning after they recorded four straight one-out singles before a pop up to first base ended the frame. GCU loaded the bases in the bottom half of the frame, but were unable to extend the 5-2 advantage.

Omaha then loaded the bases in the top of the ninth inning with one out, but Serigstad induced a ground ball to second baseman De La Guerra, who tagged the runner and made the throw to first.

GCU will next be in action when they officially make their return to the Western Athletic Conference with a three-game series at preseason favorite Bakersfield beginning on Friday at 6 p.m. Fans can follow the action live by visiting www.gculopes.com.

"We know that Bakersfield was picked to win the conference and have had success," said Stankiewicz. "They have a good coaching staff, and they have a nice ball club. They have built up their program very well. It will be a big test for us going to their place. We are excited to go for it and see what happens."

GCU 5, Omaha 2