AP Sports Preview: BYU at Grand Canyon

PHOENIX (Interstat) — BYU visits Grand Canyon University on Monday evening at Phoenix Municipal Stadium, with first pitch scheduled for 7:05 p.m. MST. The forecast calls for 76 degrees and cloudy skies.

The Cougars (22-20) hold a significantly better record than the Antelopes (14-26), but both teams enter the nonconference matchup seeking consistency. BYU is coming off a series win at Arizona, taking two of three games, including an 8-4 victory Saturday. Grand Canyon dropped its most recent outing, an 8-3 loss to Kansas State on Tuesday.

BYU’s Cayson Bell has emerged as a reliable arm out of the bullpen. The right-hander has allowed just two earned runs over 14 innings in his last four appearances, striking out eight. He worked 4.2 scoreless innings against Arizona on Saturday, scattering no hits. Bell’s ability to limit damage — he has surrendered only two hits across his last three outings — makes him a key factor late in the game.

Grand Canyon first baseman Cannon Peery provides the Antelopes’ primary offensive threat. He homered and drove in two runs against Kansas State, and he has hit safely in seven of his last nine games. Peery produced three home runs and six RBIs during a recent stretch against Air Force and UNLV, though he has been prone to occasional hitless games.

BYU holds a 5-5 record over its last 10 games. The Cougars swept Houston on the road earlier this month and took two of three from Arizona. Grand Canyon has lost five of its last seven, including series splits with Air Force and UNLV. The Antelopes did sweep Fresno State on the road earlier this month.

Interstat’s game simulator projects a 6-4 BYU victory.

Both teams have demanding schedules ahead. BYU hosts Utah for a three-game series starting Thursday, while Grand Canyon hosts Arizona on Tuesday before traveling to San Jose State for a weekend set.