This weekend, the WAC’s top two teams clash at GCU Ballpark as Grand Canyon University (GCU) hosts Utah Valley in a thrilling three-game series. The games kick off with first pitches at 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Fans can catch all the action on ESPN+.
3 Key Insights
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Winning Streak: GCU is on a remarkable run, having won 18 consecutive WAC series and 31 of its last 33. Their last loss in a WAC series dates back to last season. With a stellar conference winning percentage of .778 over the last seven years, they sit at the pinnacle of collegiate baseball.
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Diaz’s Hot Streak: Senior outfielder Michael Diaz has been on fire lately. He recently tallied eight hits, 16 RBIs, and four home runs in a series against California Baptist. For his outstanding performance, he received titles like National Player of the Week and WAC Player of the Week and was recognized by D1Baseball.com for his impressive hitting metrics.
- Scoring Machine: GCU’s bats have been red-hot, scoring 42 runs in their last series— the most they’ve scored in a three-game set since 1994. This offensive explosion highlights the depth of their lineup, with many players contributing to the success.
A Look at Utah Valley
Under new head coach Nate Rasmussen, Utah Valley has exceeded expectations this season. After a rocky start in February, the Wolverines surged back with a record of 16-3 in March. They’ve shown their offensive prowess, scoring double-digit runs in nine games and ranking sixth nationally with 373 total hits. Their aggressive base-running has been remarkable, with 65 stolen bases out of 82 attempts.
Despite being predicted to finish sixth in the WAC preseason poll, Utah Valley has emerged as a contender, winning six of their last seven WAC series. As they head into crucial games against GCU and California Baptist, every win counts toward securing a postseason spot.
What’s Next for GCU?
After this series, GCU will travel to Tucson to take on Arizona, followed by a visit to Utah Tech in St. George. Both teams are fighting for crucial standings as they aim for postseason opportunities.
Final Thoughts
This series showcases not just talent, but the excitement of collegiate baseball. Fans should gear up for an intense battle as these two teams fight for top honors in the WAC.
For more in-depth coverage of GCU baseball, you can explore additional game notes and stats.
Check out this related article: Boston University Triumphs Over Penn State 3-1 in Thrilling Frozen Four Semifinal Showdown!
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