Cowboys shake off early deficit, power past GCU with 10-7 win
Meola, Ritchie, Norman spark 16-hit outing in win against Lopes
An early deficit wasn’t too much for Oklahoma State to overcome.
Sixteen hits and a home run was enough for OSU to secure a vital 10-7 win against Grand Canyon on Saturday at GCU Ballpark. After trailing by two runs through the first inning, the Cowboys posted a five-run top of the third en route to another offensive onslaught. The Lopes (2-4) rallied late, but a sound collective relief effort from OSU’s bullpen stifled any momentum the opposition might have attained.
Now, the Cowboys (3-3) can clinch their first series victory of the season with a win in the finale tomorrow at 2 p.m. Sophomore lefty Ethan Lund will get the start on the mound, looking to build upon a sound inaugural outing last Sunday against Vanderbilt.
Here are three takeaways from the game.
OSU's offense erupts... again
OSU’s offense got going early, and didn’t let up.
Center fielder Kollin Ritchie commenced the offensive clinic in the top of the third with a 2-RBI triple. Third baseman Aidan Meola launched his third homer of the season the following at-bat to make it 4-0 OSU, before freshman second baseman Terrance Bowen logged a two-out, RBI-single to finalize a five-run offensive frame.
The Lopes rallied in the ensuing half-inning. But Meola and freshmen Danny Wallace and Sebastian Norman each posted an RBI-base hit in the top of the fourth to compile a four-run offensive frame and give the Cowboys enough of a cushion to secure the win.
Two innings later, Norman posted another RBI-hit to finalize OSU’s scoring on the day.
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Overall, Ritchie, Meola and Norman combined for nine of OSU’s 16 hits. OSU coach Josh Holliday boasted about Norman during the team’s media day two weeks ago, and rightfully so. Norman was rated as the No. 106 overall prospect in Perfect Game’s 2026 recruiting class and forewent inserting his name in the MLB Draft. Fast-forward, the hype and draft buzz has been on full display. Through the first three games this series, Norman is hitting 6-for-13 (.462 clip) with three RBI and a home run.
Remember when OSU’s offense was held to a combined eight hits and three runs through its first two games against Arkansas and Oklahoma? Recently, a new narrative has headlined its lineup.
After Saturday, the Cowboys have logged 48 hits and 38 runs over its last four games. A sight that should put Holliday and OSU fans alike at ease for the time being.
Bullpen saves the day
Mario Pesca’s second outing of the season could have gone better.
He flashed good pitch ability, but similarly to his first start, command was an issue. GCU sparked a two-out rally in the bottom of the first before left fielder Tanner Johns posted a go-ahead 2-RBI single to give the Lopes a 2-0 lead. Two innings later, Billy Scaldeferri unloaded on a hanging changeup from Pesca to tie the game at 5.
Pesca was chased after the third inning, finishing with three strikeouts to three hits, three walks, three hit batters and five earned runs. Rest assured, however, the bullpen came to the rescue.
Hefty right-hander Kai Fyke, who transferred to OSU from Central Arizona Community College in the offseason, threw three scoreless frames. He flashed a steady mixture of changeup and curveball, stifling a potent Lopes' offense and allowing only one hit in that span to keep momentum in OSU's favor.
Veteran southpaw Drew Blake surrendered a two-out, two-run homer to GCU’s Cannon Peery in the bottom of the seventh. But sophomore righty Noah Wech shut the door over the latter two innings, striking out two to close things out.
Thompson returns to lineup, provides stability for middle infield
It took only a day to gain clarity on Brock Thompson’s health status.
After the sophomore shortstop departed Friday’s game in the second inning, Holliday said Thompson’s injury looked “bad” on OSU’s postgame radio show. Fast-forward, Thompson was back in the lineup Saturday. His right hand was covered with athletic tape, but that didn’t hinder his defensive prowess. He flashed a couple gems over the middle innings, initiating an inning-ending double play. And perhaps most importantly, he tallied another hit.
With starting second baseman Avery Ortiz already out for the time being after exiting late last week against OU, Thompson’s swift insertion back into OSU’s lineup provides solidity in one of the most important areas. Whether he's at full strength is another area of concern. But for now, Holliday can rest assured with having stability within the middle infield.
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