Lopes drop GCU Classic opener

Friday, February 21

Phoenix, Ariz.

6 p.m.

Grand Canyon

3-2

CSUN

6-0

CSUN

Grand Canyon

2/21/2020 9:51:00 PM | Baseball

Box Score

3 errors account for 4 runs in loss to CSUN

By: Jerob Moon

The Grand Canyon baseball team had committed just five errors in its first four games, but the Lopes stumbled with three errors that led to four unearned runs in a 5-3 loss to CSUN (6-0) in their opening game of the GCU Classic on Friday night.

For the second straight game, the GCU (3-2) offense was held to five or less hits after recording 28 hits in the first three games against Oklahoma State. Matadors ace Blake Sodersten limited the Lopes to three hits and two runs in his 5 2/3 innings of work.

Despite only four hits for the Lopes offense, it would have been enough without CSUN's unearned runs factoring in. GCU senior right-handed pitcher Kade Mechals was just as effective on the mound, scattering four hits in six innings of work but was saddled with the second loss of his GCU career after three runs scored on fielding errors.

Facing a 4-1 deficit in the sixth, junior center fielder Brock Burton sparked some life into the GCU offense with a first-pitch RBI double off the right field wall that scored second baseman Drew Smith from first. Junior designated hitter Dominic Grissom chipped in with a ninth-inning home run, his third long ball in as many games. The solo shot cut the deficit to two after Grissom rocketed a ball nearly over the left field net.

GCU sophomore outfielder Jake Jarvis led off the third inning with a triple for his first hit of the season. He scored after junior shortstop Channy Ortiz hit a sacrifice fly, tying the score at one in the early goings.

CSUN scored first in the top of the first and added three in the sixth and one in the ninth to make it a three-run game. Reliever Blake Schriever recorded his second save of the season despite Grissom's ninth-inning home run.

GCU has the opportunity to bounce back against Fordham on Saturday night at 6 p.m. The Rams have struggled on the mound this season with an 11.07 team ERA and allowed CSUN to score 11 runs in the seventh and eighth innings in Friday's neutral-site game at GCU Ballpark.