Lopes trio drafted in same MLB Draft round

The Grand Canyon baseball team that went on a great run to reach its first NCAA Division I tournament had another great run on Tuesday with three players being selected in the MLB Draft's 14th round.

Shortstop Channy Ortiz (Arizona Diamondbacks) and pitchers Frankie Scalzo (Chicago Cubs) and Pierson Ohl (Minnesota Twins) were drafted within 21 picks of each other on a run of Lopes. It marked the first time that three GCU baseball players were taken in the same round, but it was the 17th time that three Lopes went in the same draft.

"We are elated for Channy, Frankie, and Pierson," GCU head coach Andy Stankiewicz said. "To have three players drafted in only a 20-round draft is exciting and speaks well to the strength of our program. Their contributions to GCU baseball can not be overstated and we thank the Diamondbacks, Cubs, and Twins for giving our boys this opportunity. We are excited to watch their professional careers unfold."

channy ortiz

Ortiz, a Glendale Apollo High School graduate, completes a hometown story by staying in Phoenix as GCU's first Diamondbacks draft pick since 2002 (Klent Corley). Ortiz earned a spot on the All-WAC first team for batting .313 in the leadoff spot with only 23 walks in 272 plate appearances.

The slick-fielding shortstop also carried a .413 on-base percentage but also knocked in 33 runs with the help of eight home runs, including a two-homer game at Sacramento State and a walk-off, extra-inning home run to beat eventual College World Series team Arizona at GCU Ballpark. Ortiz started every game over the past two seasons.

"It's a dream come true to be selected in the MLB draft," Ortiz said. "It's been a long journey to get to this point but I couldn't be happier to stay in The Valley and play for the Diamondbacks. I would like to thank all my coaches at GCU for giving me the opportunity to play and develop under their guidance. I would also like to thank my teammates for all the memories we shared throughout my career. Lastly, I would like to thank my family for all their support and sacrifice to allow this opportunity to be possible. I'm excited for the opportunity the Diamondbacks have given me. Go Snakes! Lopes up forever."

Scalzo became the first GCU player to be drafted by the Cubs when he went at No. 424. Scalzo notched his 12th save, a GCU Division I record, to secure the Lopes' first WAC Tournament title and NCAA Division I tournament berth. This season, the closer held opponents to .196 hitting with a 2.12 ERA and 31 strikeouts in 29 2/3 innings.

Scalzo is the second GCU closer to be drafted in the past four years (Mick Vorhof to the New York Yankees in 2018). His selection made it a four-year streak of Lopes pitchers being drafted before Ohl added to it five picks later. Scalzo became a full-time pitcher for the first time at GCU after transferring from San Jose State after his freshman season.

"Transferring to GCU was the best decision I have ever made," Scalzo said. "I want to thank all of the coaches for believing and taking a chance on me. Being drafted was an amazing experience that I will never forget. The excitement and anticipation could not be matched. It is something I have always dreamed about and I still cannot believe."

Pierson Ohl

Ohl went to the Twins at No. 429 after becoming the first Lope to win WAC Pitcher of the Year. The right-handed ace went 10-2 with a 2.60 ERA and 103 strikeouts to only 12 walks in 100 1/3 innings. The 2.60 ERA was the third-lowest mark in GCU history, but it dropped even lower to 2.20 in conference action. Ohl threw six complete games in conference play to help GCU to a regular season co-championship.

"GCU has been home to me for the last three years," Ohl said. "It's hard to imagine life outside of the GCU environment, but this next chapter is something I have dreamed of for as long as I can remember. I am extremely thankful for the staff — past and present — at GCU. They have been a huge part of this incredible journey. GCU will forevor have a special place in my heart."

Ohl struck out 11 batters in a game twice and posted a WHIP of 0.91 for the season. He became the 99th GCU baseball player to be drafted, completing an arc with Minnesota making LeRoy McDonald the first Lopes baseball player to be drafted in 1969.

Grand Canyon University Athletics

Players Mentioned

Pierson Ohl

Channy Ortiz

Frankie Scalzo

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