RIVERSIDE, Calif. -- Grand Canyon University right-handed pitcher and MLB draft prospect, Isaac Lyon improves to 3-2 after an impressive performance over Cal Baptist University Friday night.
The Lopes claimed a 13-2 victory over the Lancers and stand in first place in the Western Athletic Conference with a 6-1 conference record and an overall record of 19-11.
Lyon pitched five innings, allowing four hits and two runs on 98 pitches. He finished the game with six strikeouts and one walk.
Although struggling in the first three innings and getting ahead on pitching counts, Lyon’s fourth and fifth innings were where he shined.
“Honestly I didn’t feel like I had my best stuff tonight,” Lyon said. “But just coming back and resetting between innings, because sometimes it happens. Just keep out battling (and) trust my teammates.”
After striking out the first batter to start the game, Lyon gave up a back-to-back single and double, leading the Lancers to score.
In the third inning, Lyon gave up a double to Lancers freshman Chris Ramirez, and two hitters were struck by a pitch to load the bases. Lyon gave up an RBI single, but was able to get through the remainder of the inning unscathed.
Although his pitch count was high, Lyon’s arm strength didn’t deter as he continued to throw 90 mph in the fourth and fifth innings.
Although his pitching may have not been the most satisfactory for Lyon, he had confidence in his teammates - and they didn’t disappoint.
GCU scored 13 runs on 13 hits, including a four-run fourth inning and a seven-run sixth inning. Carson Ohland, Eddy Pelc and Michael Diaz all scored home runs. And only two out of the 10 players that came up to the plate didn’t get a hit.
“That’s the best we’ve swung it all year,” Lyon said. “It was impressive. Everyone, every at-bat, one through nine, just confidence and great at-bats."
With a consistent pitching velocity between 80 and 91, Lyon proves to have a strong arm with exceptional room for growth. Through his 2025 junior season thus far, his ERA is 3.53 with 50 strikeouts and 13 walks.
“Mixing pitches and mixing spots,” Lyon said when asked what makes him effective on the mound. “I feel like I hit my spots pretty well, I had a four-pitch mix so just keep them off balance throughout the game.”
As Lyon relieved pressure on his team with his dependable arm, they were able to do the same for him.