Grand Canyon University (GCU) is gearing up for an exciting baseball weekend. This Thursday through Sunday, they’ll face off against Oklahoma State in a four-game series at Brazell Field in Phoenix. It’s the third time in the past decade that the Cowboys are visiting GCU.
What You Need to Know
Historical Showdown: GCU and Oklahoma State have faced each other before, especially in recent years. In 2017 and 2020, GCU surprised many by winning two out of three games against a ranked Oklahoma State. Their last meeting was in the 2021 Tucson Regional, marking GCU’s first postseason appearance.
Diverse Competition: As GCU enters their first Mountain West season, they’ll also battle several Big 12 teams. The Lopes have 16 games lined up against Big 12 opponents, with matchups against teams like Arizona and BYU.
Strong Pitching Line-Up: GCU’s opening weekend showed promising results, with a combined 2.92 ERA across their starting pitchers. Junior Garrett Ahern, Nicholas Robb, and Chase Frey will continue leading the charge this series, backed by newcomer JT Guerrero.
Spotlight on Oklahoma State
Oklahoma State is aiming to build on last year’s NCAA Regional finals appearance. This season, they mix experienced players with promising newcomers. Returning stars like Kollin Ritchie are crucial for their batting lineup. The pitching staff has historically ranked high in strikeouts, so GCU has a strong challenge ahead.
After starting the season 1-2 at a competitive tournament, Oklahoma State showed promise with an impressive 11-1 win against ranked Vanderbilt. Ritchie specifically shone with six RBIs in that game.
Looking Ahead
After this weekend, GCU will head to UC Irvine for two midweek games, marking their first trip out of state this season.
Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to the game, this weekend promises great baseball. Keep an eye out for how the Lopes fare against the Cowboys!
