GCU can't finish mid-week sweep

Wednesday, April 25

Phoenix, Ariz.

2 p.m.

Grand Canyon

23-18

New Mexico

15-24-1

New Mexico

Grand Canyon

4/25/2018 6:15:00 PM | Baseball

Box Score

Lopes and Lobos end with split of two-game series

By: Josh Hauser

PHOENIX - Grand Canyon could not replicate its solid defensive and pitching efforts of the last five games in a Wednesday loss to New Mexico at Brazell Field at GCU Ballpark. With a 10-4 loss, the Lopes settled for a mid-week split with the Lobos.

The Lopes had held their opponents to three or fewer runs in the last six games until New Mexico scored 10 runs on Wednesday. The Lopes had gone six games without committing an error until they committed three on Wednesday.

Things got off to a strong start for GCU with freshman right-hander Hayden Udall facing the minimum in the first inning thanks in part to a diving grab in left field from Tyler Wyatt and Udall picking off a baserunner.

Quin Cotton continued GCU's early-game momentum with a leadoff double to begin the home-half of the first. Cotton was stranded at third base as the Lopes were held scoreless.

New Mexico shot out to a 5-0 lead in the second inning using five base hits including a two-run homer off the bat of catcher Robby Campillo.

The Lopes fought back with three runs in the third inning. Channy Ortiz and Wyatt each had RBI hits in the frame as GCU narrowed the deficit to 5-3.

The Lobos, however, scored two runs in the fourth and one more in the fifth to fully restore their five-run lead at 8-3.

GCU attempted to mount another rally, scoring a run in the fifth, but New Mexico responded with two of their own to restore order.

A big conference series looms with New Mexico State coming to GCU Ballpark for three games this weekend, beginning with a 6 p.m. first pitch on Friday night.