Oklahoma State Baseball drops first desert trip match against GCU Lopes, 12-8, can they rebound and steal the weekend?
The Oklahoma State Cowboys baseball team opened their four-game road series against the Grand Canyon Lopes with a 12-8 defeat on Thursday, February 19, 2026, at Brazell Field at GCU Ballpark in Phoenix, Arizona.
The loss dropped OSU to 1-3 on the early 2026 season, while GCU improved to 2-2.
Despite the setback, the Cowboys displayed offensive firepower with 12 hits, including two home runs, but couldn’t overcome GCU’s potent attack of 12 hits, nine walks, and three homers.
OSU committed one error, matching GCU’s single miscue, in a game that saw both teams strand runners but GCU capitalize more effectively.
In the box score, GCU jumped to a 3-0 lead in the first on Cannon Peery’s three-run homer. OSU responded in the third with three runs, highlighted by Kollin Ritchie’s solo homer and Aidan Meola’s two-run shot. GCU pulled away with three-run frames in the fourth and fifth, powered by Vince Bianchina’s solo homer and Griffin Cameron’s two-RBI single.
OSU added singles in the fifth, sixth, seventh (two runs), and ninth but fell short. Final tally: GCU 12 runs on 12 hits; OSU 8 runs on 12 hits.
Key OSU highlights included Aidan Meola’s standout performance: 3 RBIs, a homer, a double, and two runs scored. Brock Thompson contributed an RBI, two doubles, and two runs.
Ritchie added his homer and an RBI, while Campbell Smithwick doubled and drove in a run. TP Wentworth chipped in an RBI.
On the mound, starter Parker Jennings struggled, allowing early damage before Bryce LeBlanc took the loss (0-1). GCU’s JT Guerrero struck out six over 4 1/3 innings, Aidan Lee earned the win (1-0) with 1 2/3 innings of one-run ball, and Billy Gregory notched the save with seven strikeouts in three innings.
GCU standouts: Peery (3 RBIs, homer), Cameron (3 RBIs, double), Bianchina (2 RBIs, homer), and Mito Perez (homer, RBI).
Looking ahead, OSU has strong chances to rebound over the weekend, leveraging their experienced Big 12 roster against a solid but inconsistent GCU squad.
Both teams entered the series at 1-2, with OSU’s losses coming in the competitive Globe Life College Baseball Showdown.
The Cowboys’ depth in pitching and hitting could shine in the remaining matchups.
On Friday, February 20, at 7 p.m. CST, OSU sends left-hander Hudson Barrett (0-1, 5.79 ERA) to the mound against GCU’s righty Garrett Ahern (1-0, 0.00 ERA). Barrett, a UC-Santa Barbara transfer, seeks a bounce-back after a rough debut, while Ahern dominated in his opener.
OSU’s offense, which averaged 8.0 runs per game in Arlington, could exploit GCU’s bullpen if they chase Ahern early. Maybe OSU edges Friday in a close one, 7-5?
Saturday, February 21, at 3 p.m. CST, features OSU right-hander Mario Pesca (0-1, 12.00 ERA) versus GCU lefty Chase Frey (0-1, 8.10 ERA).
Both starters had shaky first outings, setting up a potential slugfest. OSU’s hitters like Meola and Thompson could feast on Frey’s command issues.
Expect OSU to control the game a build on an early season with better defense, winning something like 9-6.
Sunday, February 22, at 2 p.m. CST, pits OSU lefty Ethan Lund (0-0, 0.00 ERA) against GCU righty Nicholas Robb (0-0, 2.25 ERA).
Lund, a sophomore, brings fresh arms after a strong 2025 regional showing, while Robb allowed minimal damage in relief. OSU’s lineup depth should wear down GCU, hopefully securing a late weekend dub.
Logistically, despite the Thursday stumble, OSU is poised to win the series 3-1.
The Cowboys’ superior recruiting class and historical edge (winning the last meeting 5-3 in 2021) give them an advantage in extended series.
GCU’s home crowd energizes, but OSU’s road toughness from Big 12 play and early-season adjustments favor a turnaround.
If pitching stabilizes and hitters maintain their .290 team average from the opener, OSU claims the edge…hopefully.
Fans can watch all remaining games via free stream on Mountain West Network at TheMW.com/watch, with Michael Potter and Elijah Buries on the call.
Friday and Sunday are also televised on Arizona’s Family Sports (local Phoenix channels).
Listen on Cowboy Radio Network via The Varsity App (okla.st/GetVarsity), with Rex Holt and Tom Holliday broadcasting; frequencies include Pete 94.3 FM/KSPI 780 AM (Saturday/Sunday) and 93.7 KSPI FM (Friday). Live stats available at okstate.statbroadcast.com.