Tuesday, April 1 & Wednesday, April 2 | Brazell Field at GCU Ballpark | Phoenix, Ariz.
ARIZONA
WILDCATS
(20-7, 6-3 Big 12)
vs.
GRAND CANYON
LOPES
(17-10, 5-1 WAC)
CAL STATE FULLERTON
TITANS
(13-14, 6-6 Big West)
Excitement is in the air as the Lopes gear up for an exhilarating midweek showdown! Grand Canyon University (GCU) wraps up a compelling five-game homestand this week. They'll face off against the Arizona Wildcats on Tuesday and the Cal State Fullerton Titans on Wednesday, both at the vibrant Brazell Field at GCU Ballpark in Phoenix, Arizona. Catch all the action live on ESPN+!
3 Things to Know Before the Games
1. Home Sweet Home Advantage
GCU has established an impressive track record on their home turf this season. With an incredible seven-game winning streak at home, they’re enjoying their best start at Brazell Field since 2010, going 11-2. The Lopes have recently triumphed over notable teams like Nebraska, Texas Tech, and Seattle U, making their home a true fortress!
2. Lopes vs. Wildcats Rivalry
The Lopes have claimed victory in the last three encounters against Arizona. The teams have developed a cherished tradition of three-game midweek sets, alternating hosting duties annually. This season, their clash will include two games in Phoenix and one in Tucson, igniting the age-old rivalry once again!
3. Outstanding Pitching and Rising Stats
GCU boasts an impressive 2.82 earned run average (ERA) over their last eight games, pulling their overall ERA down to 4.36, ranking them No. 46 nationally. A significant contributor to this success is junior righty Isaac Lyon, who dazzled fans with an eight-inning complete game shutout last Friday, earning him the title of WAC Pitcher of the Week!
Scouting Arizona Wildcats
After an electrifying run of 19 wins in 21 games, the Wildcats were momentarily derailed by a home series loss against Baylor. This setback caused Arizona to drop out of the top 25 rankings. Notably, this year's Wildcats are focused on pitching and defense rather than the offense-heavy teams of the past. Surprisingly, they rank 131st nationally in scoring, yet their team ERA is a commendable 32nd, indicating a newfound reliance on their pitching staff.
Scouting Cal State Fullerton Titans
A storied program enters the arena Wednesday, as Cal State Fullerton, renowned for its 18 all-time College World Series appearances, visits GCU. Historically, the Lopes have clashed with the Titans only at Fullerton—this matchup promises to be a significant milestone. The Titans have fared better recently, approaching a .500 record at 13-14 after finishing with an atypical record of 16-38 last season. Strategically, they boast a top 20 ranking in both doubles and triples per game, a testament to their aggressive strategy on the field.
What’s Next for the Lopes?
Following this thrilling midweek doubleheader, GCU will return to conference action, embarking on a three-game series at California Baptist, kicking off Friday evening at 6 p.m.
For more in-depth coverage of GCU baseball, stats, and insights, check out the official GCU baseball notes and stay tuned for all the compelling updates as the season unfolds!
