Lopes kick off GCU Classic, defeat Central Michigan

Thursday, February 25

Phoenix, Ariz.

1 P.M.

Grand Canyon

3-2

Central Michigan

0-4

Central Michigan

Grand Canyon

Photo by: Darryl Webb

2/25/2016 4:14:00 PM | Baseball

Box Score

By: Steven Gonzalez

PHOENIX – The Grand Canyon baseball team opened up the GCU Baseball Classic with a matchup against Central Michigan. The Lopes rallied in the final three innings, scoring three runs to defeat the Chippewas 5-4. GCU is 3-2 this season.

"The guys did a nice job of staying on top of the game and grinding out a win," head coach Andy Stankiewicz said. "It wasn't pretty by any stretch but a win is a win and we will take it."

Ethan Evanko bounced back in his second start of the season going 6.2 innings throwing 98 pitches. Evanko tied GCU's season high striking out four batters. The Lopes jumped on the board first in the third inning on a fielder's choice. With the bases loaded, Brand Smith hit to the shortstop, allowing Thomas Lerouge to score, giving GCU the 1-0 lead.

"It was great to see Ethan get back on the horse and do what he does," Stankiewicz said. "He had a rough opening day but he bounced back and showed what he was made of today. He stepped up and that is what we expect out of him."

Garrison Schwartz extended GCU's lead to 2-0 in the fifth inning, hitting his second home run of the season. With two outs, on a 2-1 count, Schwartz homered to left field off Grant Wolfram for his second RBI of the season. Central Michigan evened the score in the seventh inning, scoring two runs off GCU's relievers. The Chippewas then took the lead later in the seventh off a two-run double by Alex Borglin, giving CMU the 4-2 lead.

GCU trailed just one run after seven innings after Greg Saenz reached on an error, scoring Matt Haggerty from third base to trail CMU 4-3. When GCU needed to tie the game, its freshmen stepped up in Austin Bull and Zach Malis. To get the eighth inning started, Bull got a single and then advanced to second base on a sacrifice bunt by Ben Mauseth. Malis would then single to centerfield, scoring Bull to tie the game at 4-4.

After the freshmen tied the game, senior Paul Panaccione would bring in pinch runner, Marc Mumper, after singling to left field. Central Michigan's left fielder would juggle the baseball, allowing third base coach Gregg Wallis to send Mumper in to take the 5-4 lead heading into the final inning.

"It was great to see our freshman step up," Stankiewicz said. "We need to get these young guys on the field so they get experience and whenever they can be involved in getting a win is big."

After GCU took the lead in the eighth inning, Mick Vorhof closed the door with a 1-2-3 ninth inning, for his second save this season.

The Lopes will continue the GCU Classic Friday night, Feb. 26, when they host SEC opponent Ternnesse. First pitch is set for 7 p.m. at Brazell Stadium.