Pitchers' duel goes to No. 18 Arizona

Tuesday, April 30

Tucson, Ariz.

7 p.m.

Grand Canyon

42-11

Arizona

33-15-1

Grand Canyon

Arizona

Photo by: Wesley Kurz

4/30/2024 10:24:00 PM | Softball

Box Score

Lopes fall 3-2 in Tucson despite Hudson's quality 5 2/3 innings

By: Adrianna Candelaria

TUCSON, Ariz. — Grand Canyon battled No. 18 Arizona on Tuesday night, briefly tying the ballgame in the fourth inning before falling 3-2 in front of 2,288 fans at Hillenbrand Stadium.

GCU senior shortstop Katelyn Dunckel notched her sixth home run of the season in the top of the fourth frame for a 2-2 scoreboard, but a second Wildcats solo home run in the bottom of the fourth allowed UA to regain its final lead.

The Lopes (42-11) stranded seven runners on base and scored two runs on eight hits, leading off every inning but the sixth with a runner reaching base,

Senior pitcher Hailey Hudson, who replaced junior starter Meghan Golden, dealt seven strikeouts in 5 2/3 innings with one walk and one run on the night. Hudson leads the Lopes in innings pitched this season (114 1/3), carries an ERA of 2.39. Meanwhile, three pitchers saw the circle for Arizona, striking out eight and walking three.

GCU graduate first baseman Ashley Trierweiler, the nation's hit leader with 81 this season, led off with a single up the middle, but was called out on a base-stealing attempt when Arziona successfully challenged that she left the base early. GCU continued its aggressive offense, as senior left fielder Kayla Rodgers picked up the first of three walks and was thrown out at home on a double to left center by graduate designated player Ramsay Lopez.

The Wildcats' first solo home run came in their plate debut, followed by an infield RBI for an early 2-0 lead, and a second solo home run in the fourth to take a 3-2 position.

In the top of the third, sophomore pinch-hitter Brynn-Jordan Smythe (2 for 2) led off with a single up the middle, followed by a perfectly placed Trierweiler bunt at the catcher's feet to board and advance Smythe. Another Rodgers walk loaded the bases, setting up a Lopez sacrifice fly to left field for the Lopes' first run of the evening; Lopez ranks second in the nation in sacrifice flies (nine) this season and leads the WAC with 54 RBIs.

GCU freshman catcher Tinley Lucas led off the seventh inning by getting hit by a pitch before a single to center field by junior third baseman Lovey Kepa'a. Another tactful bunt from Trierweiler loaded the bases, but Arizona pitcher Aissa Silva struck out three consecutive batters to seal the win for the Wildcats (33-15-1). Trierweiler's 2-for-3 game lifted her batting average to .463, which ranks fourth nationally.

The Lopes return home to host Abilene Christian on Friday and Saturday at GCU Softball Stadium, where they will celebrate Senior Day after Saturday's 1 p.m. game.