Grand Canyon Looks to Salvage Finale at Utah After Series Sweep

SALT LAKE CITY (Interstat) — The Grand Canyon Antelopes will try to snap a five-game skid and avoid a four-game series sweep when they visit the Utah Utes for a Monday matinee at Smith’s Ballpark. First pitch is scheduled for 1 p.m. MST.

Utah (8-5) has dominated the series, outscoring Grand Canyon (6-10) 14-0 through the first three contests. The Utes secured a 4-0 victory Sunday behind a combined four-hitter from Justin Abercrombie and Dylan Gazaway.

The Antelopes will turn to right-hander Chase Frey in the finale. Frey was the hard-luck loser Sunday, allowing three earned runs over 5 1/3 innings with five strikeouts. In his last three outings, he has a 7.36 ERA.

Utah is expected to counter with Abercrombie on short rest after his five-inning start Sunday. The right-hander held GCU scoreless on six hits. His recent performances have been volatile, however, including a four-run outing against UC Santa Barbara on March 1.

Grand Canyon’s offense has been stifled in Salt Lake City, held to just 10 total hits in the series. Carson Ohland, who went 2 for 3 Sunday, is one of the few bright spots. Utah’s Jake Long is coming off a 3-for-4 performance that included a home run.

According to Interstat’s game simulator, the Utes are projected for a narrow 5-4 victory.

Following the series, Grand Canyon returns home to host Rice and Saint Mary’s next weekend. Utah remains at home to open a three-game set against Arizona on Friday.