Grand Canyon snapped their three-losing streak tonight with a resounding 18-3 win over New Mexico State at Presley Askew Baseball Field in Las Cruces, N.M.
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GCU improved to 22-17 overall and 11-2 in the Western Athletic Conference. The Aggies dropped to 5-29-1 and 2-11-1 in the league.
GCU wasted no time in putting the game out of reach, scoring four times in the top of the first.
Chad De La Guerra hit a two-run homer and
Ben Mauseth recorded a two-run single in the inning.
The Antelopes tacked on three more runs in the second inning to open a 7-0 lead on the heels of a
Brandon Smith RBI single and two-RBI base knock from
Garrison Schwartz.
Humberto Aranda hit a two-run home run and
Paul Panaccione and Schwartz each had RBI doubles in the five-run fifth inning.
GCU capped it's scoring with three runs in the seventh on
Jayden Eggimann's two-run single and
David Walker's two-run double.
Combined, GCU was 10-for-22 with runners in scoring position and 9-for-15 with two outs. Schwartz had four hits and four RBI to lead the Lopes. Walker, Panaccione and De La Guerra each had three hits in the Antelopes' 21-hit attack.
"We swung the bats really well tonight," said head coach Andy Stankiewicz. "We needed that, as we have been chasing the opponent for a while. It was good to get out in front and letting the guys get comfortable. Tomorrow will be a good test and we look forward to challenge."
Jake Repavich (6-2) picked up the win, allowing three runs on seven hits over 6.0 innings. He fanned five and walked five. His six wins are tied with
Coley Bruns for the team lead.
"Jake did a great stepping up and making a spot start for us with Andrew being under the weather," added Stankiewicz. "He did a terrific job and his efforts put us in a position where we can win the series tomorrow."
GCU and the Aggies will be back at it for the final game of the series tomorrow with first pitch set to be thrown at 11 a.m. (AZ time). The matchup can be found on radio at KXXT 1010 AM (also via the KXXT TuneIn Radio App), the home of Antelope men's basketball and baseball. Live stats are available at www.gculopes.com.Â
GCU 18 NMSU 3