GCU visits Vegas for game with Rebels

Tuesday, March 22 - 3:05 p.m.
	RHP Jake Wong 0-0, 5.00 ERA	RHP Blaze Bohall 1-2, 12.34 ERA
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Grand Canyon's offense will look to return to form in a one-game visit to UNLV on Tuesday. The Lopes will aim to snap a five-game skid that has seen them lose a pair of games to a top-20 offense (New Mexico) and three games to a top-20 pitching staff (Houston). First pitch at Wilson Stadium is scheduled for 3:05 p.m. PT.

LAST TIME OUT
The Lopes struggled to get the bats going in a three-game sweep at the hands of No. 19 Houston. The Cougars, who now feature a staff ERA of 2.36, made hits hard to come by all series long for the Lopes, who entered the series as the WAC leaders in batting average.

Grand Canyon was downed by two masterful pitching performances in a doubleheader on Saturday, with Friday's opener rained out. In Game 1, GCU lost 5-0 as Cougars' starter Andrew Lantrip tossed a complete game shutout. The Lopes were limited to two hits as Lantrip retired the final 19 batters of the contest for GCU. In Game 2, the Lopes were limited to one run on one hit off of another complete game performance from a Houston pitcher.

GCU got off to a better start in Game 3, collecting five hits in the first three innings, jumping out to a 1-0 lead in the second. However, Houston scored the final five runs of the contest to claim the series finale and clinch the sweep.

SERIES HISTORY
The Lopes and Rebels will meet for the 40th time, with UNLV holding the slight 20-18 edge with one tie in the books.

Last season, the clubs met twice with each team defending its home turf. Grand Canyon took the first matchup in a mid-week contest following opening weekend. GCU won 7-0 behind 12 hits and a combined shutout with Zebastian Valenzuela, Jake Repavich and Ruben Rincon. UNLV took the second meeting 6-1, holding the Lopes to three hits.

PITCHING PREVIEW
Freshman RHP Jake Wong will make his first career start for the Lopes. Wong has tossed 9.0 innings in five relief outings this season. His last 5.0 innings have been scoreless, allowing three hits while striking out five.

Glendale native Blaze Bohall gets the nod for the Rebels. The right-hander has made a pair of starts and six total appearances, compiling a 1-2 record and a 12.34 ERA. Opponents are hitting .377 off of the sophomore.

SCOUTING UNLV
After dropping the rubber match in walk-off fashion to Fresno State on Sunday, the Rebels sit at 8-10 heading into Tuesday's game. UNLV opened the season with a 12-inning win at Texas before dropping five straight games. The Rebels' .232 batting average ranks last in the Mountain West Conference, while their 5.51 ERA is middle of the conference. UNLV has committed a MWC-high 31 errors.

Phoenix native Payton Squier leads the team and ranks sixth in the conference with his .393 batting average. The Rebels were picked to finish fifth in the conference's preseason poll.

ON THE HORIZON
Following the game at UNLV, the Lopes will return to Brazell Stadium to begin Western Athletic Conference play on Thursday against Utah Valley.

For more news and notes on Grand Canyon Baseball, click on the 'GCU Game Notes' document above.

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Players Mentioned

Jake Repavich

Ruben Rincon

Zebastian Valenzuela

Jake Wong

Grand Canyon University Athletics