Grand Canyon University Dominates Rutgers: A Thrilling Doubleheader Sweep!

Grand Canyon University (GCU) pulled off an impressive doubleheader sweep against Rutgers, winning 10-3 in the first game and making a thrilling comeback in the second match to win 13-8. The Lopes are now riding a four-game winning streak, all against Big Ten teams.

Game 1 Recap: Lopes Soar to Victory

In the first game, GCU’s Eddy Pelc shone bright with two powerful home runs, driving the Lopes to a solid 10-3 win. Pelc’s homers came in the third and sixth innings, contributing significantly to the team’s score. On the mound, Garrett Ahern put in a strong six-inning performance, allowing just two earned runs while striking out five batters. With this victory, Ahern improved to 6-0 this season, boasting a 2.25 ERA.

The game started with some action early. Pelc got on base after being hit by a pitch, later scoring when Zach Yorke hit a two-out single. Rutgers answered back in the second inning, tying the game 1-1 before taking a short-lived 2-1 lead in the third.

GCU responded fiercely. After a good start from catcher Marcus Galvan and second baseman Troy Sanders, Pelc launched a three-run homer to push the Lopes ahead 4-2. They kept growing the lead, scoring multiple runs, including a rally in the fifth inning led by Sanders, who had an impressive performance with multiple hits.

In the end, Pelc’s second home run and a strong closing from reliever Barrett Skaugrud sealed the game for the Lopes.

Game 2 Recap: Late-Inning Drama

The second game was equally thrilling. After falling behind 8-5 in the eighth inning, GCU erupted for an astonishing eight runs, securing a comeback win at 13-8. Michael Diaz hit a clutch three-run homer, putting the Lopes ahead. Before that, Cannon Peery and Eli Paton contributed with key hits that helped turn the tide late in the game.

The game was back and forth initially, with both teams scoring in the first couple of innings. Each managed a three-run fourth inning as well, showcasing offensive prowess from both sides. However, GCU’s resilience shone through in the late innings, with Peery ending the game with four hits and Barreras adding three.

Junior pitcher Cam Cunnings was credited with the win after pitching 1 2/3 innings of scoreless baseball, helping to close out the game strong.

As the Lopes prepare to face Rutgers again to wrap up the series, the momentum is clearly on their side.