2024 WAC Baseball Release - Week 9

COMPETITIVE RACE ATOP THE WAC STANDINGS
Grand Canyon remained at the top of the WAC standings at 9-3 (.750) following a nonconference series with Saint Mary’s (Calif.) last week, as a host of conference foes have gained ground on the Lopes. Abilene Christian (10-5), California Baptist and Utah Valley (both 8-4) each checked in with matching .667 winning percentages, while UT Arlington (9-6, .600), Tarleton State (8-7, .533) and UTRGV (6-6, .500) were all at .500 or better in conference games as of April 11.

KEY WAC WINS IN THE MIDWEEK
WAC teams enjoyed a successful Tuesday in nonconference play on April 9, picking up three wins against major conference foes. Sacramento State downed No. 17 Oregon 15-8 as part of a midweek series split, Grand Canyon defeated Arizona State 5-3 and Seattle U earned a 7-6 triumph in its local showdown with Washington to highlight the slate.

DOWNER CRUISED ON THE MOUND FOR CBU
California Baptist junior right-handed pitcher Brandon Downer was the key on the hill for CBU in a 1-0 victory at Sacramento State on April 5, a triumph that led to a series win on the road for the Lancers. Downer spun 8.1 innings of three-hit baseball, allowing only one runner past second base while issuing two walks and striking out seven batters on 102 pitches. Downer induced 11 ground ball outs during the gem, with a CBU solo home run in the top of the seventh inning providing the game’s only scoring. Downer was ultimately named WAC Pitcher of the Week for his efforts on April 8.

UTAH VALLEY CONTINUES ITS OFFENSIVE BARRAGE
Utah Valley has set the basepaths on fire thus fire in the 2024 season, leading the WAC with 270 runs scored, 256 RBIs, a .396 team on-base percentage and a .538 team slugging percentage as of April 11. The Wolverines have logged 10 or more hits on 19 different occasions and have scored 10 or more runs as a team nine times. Preseason conference co-player of the year Daniel Dickinson led all WAC players in hits (48), runs scored (45), home runs (13) and slugging percentage (.710) entering games on April 12.