PHOENIX, Arizona—Southern Utah played Grand Canyon in a doubleheader Friday afternoon. The Thunderbirds lost both games, battling to the end of each contest. The Lopes took the first game 8-0 and held on to win 4-3 in extra innings of game two. Southern Utah moves to 17-23 on the season.
The Thunderbirds were led at the plate by freshman Arianna Ramirez, who went three for seven. Junior Karmyna Becerra also had a good day, collecting three hits and driving in one run.
In the circle, Keimon Winston got the start in game one and pitched four innings, giving up six hits and striking out two. Sophomore Delaney Baker started game two and pitched 3.1 solid innings, holding the Lopes to just five hits and three runs while striking out three.
Coach Don Don Williams Said
"The team showed a lot of heart and grit in game two tonight. Taking the #1 team into extra innings even though the outcomes didn't fall our way is something this team can build on."
Game 1 Summary
The first few innings were deadlocked, with neither team able to capitalize on opportunities. However, in the bottom of the second, Grand Canyon broke the silence, scoring two runs off a well-executed series of hits and steals. Southern Utah fought back but struggled to break through Grand Canyon's defense. Fueled by a late-game surge, Grand Canyon widened the gap in the sixth inning, securing their victory with a final score of 8-0.
Despite Southern Utah's valiant efforts, Grand Canyon University's solid defensive plays and timely hitting ultimately secured their triumph. Grand Canyon's pitchers held Southern Utah at bay, while the Lopes capitalized on key opportunities, particularly in the game's crucial moments. Southern Utah's defense remained strong throughout, but Grand Canyon's relentless pressure and consistent scoring proved enough, handing them a shutout victory.
Game 2 Summary
Southern Utah kicked off the game with an energetic start in the top of the first inning, highlighted by Emily Gonzalez's double down the right-field line, but they were ultimately unable to capitalize on the opportunity. Grand Canyon responded with a run in each of the following three innings. Southern Utah battled to stay in the game and tied the game up in the seventh inning with a string of hits and walks.
Grand Canyon ultimately secured the win with a decisive run in the bottom of the eighth inning, highlighted by Dunckel's crucial RBI double to right-center. Despite Southern Utah's resilient efforts, Grand Canyon's late-game heroics sealed the victory.
Next Up
The Thunderbirds will continue the series at Grand Canyon with a single game on Saturday, April 20, at 2:00 p.m. MT. The game will be broadcast on ESPN+ and live stats can be found at suutbirds.com.
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