Grand Canyon University (GCU) achieved a remarkable comeback victory against Stanford, winning 4-3 in a thrilling match on Friday night at Sunken Diamond. The Lopes were trailing for most of the game, but staged a dramatic rally in the ninth inning thanks to a two-run double from junior shortstop Justin Barreras, who delivered under pressure with two outs.
GCU had fallen behind 3-2 and was looking for a spark, which came from a leadoff single by senior left fielder Jordan Wren, and a pinch-hit hit from sophomore Trevin Witzel. Following a successful sacrifice bunt by junior catcher Casey Cornelius, Barreras stepped up to the plate and hit a line drive that eluded Stanford’s diving left fielder. Barreras, who finished the game 2 for 5 with two RBIs, shared his thoughts post-game, reflecting on his earlier struggles at the plate but maintaining a positive mindset.
The Lopes had shown determination after conceding two runs in the first inning, answering back with a run in the second and another in the fifth inning, showcasing their resilience. Graduate center fielder Chris Molina contributed significantly to the offense, going 3 for 5, marking his fifth multi-hit game in the last week. GCU’s pitching staff performed well, with junior starting pitcher Mitchell Rukes throwing six strong innings and redshirt junior closer Kyle Quinn sealing the game with a scoreless ninth, achieving his 10th save of the season.
This victory not only highlighted GCU’s competitive spirit but also placed them in a strong position within the WAC standings, tying them for first place with Sacramento State following the latter’s loss to Utah Valley. Head coach Andy Stankiewicz praised his team’s performance, indicating their readiness for postseason play, and noted Barreras’ crucial defensive play in the ninth.
As the series against Stanford continues with games scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, the Lopes are looking to capitalize on their momentum and demonstrate their capability on the field, reinforcing their position as a formidable contender in the conference.
This optimistic forward-looking narrative emphasizes the Lopes’ persistent effort and highlights the significance of their recent performance in the lead-up to what could be an exciting finish to the season.