Box Score
STANFORD, Calif. - Grand Canyon pushed across three runs in the top of the 18th inning, putting the finishing touches on a 5-3 victory in a game that matched the longest in Stanford history.
Stanford (1-8) scored twice in the fourth, Grand Canyon (6-3) answered with a pair in the eighth and nine scoreless innings followed before the Lopes eventually took control in the 18th, scoring on back-to-back walks and a fielder's choice.
The 5-hour, 45-minute contest wrapped up at 11:50 p.m. and was Stanford's third 18-inning game in school history. The Cardinal lost 5-4 to Cal on May 25, 2012 and defeated Arizona 5-4 on April 5, 2002 in its two other 18-inning marathons.
Among the other statistical oddities: 577 total pitches (249 by Stanford, 328 by Grand Canyon), 119 at-bats (59 by Stanford, 60 by Grand Canyon), only three extra-base hits and freshman Carson Greene tying an NCAA record with six walks in his first career game.
Stanford took a 2-0 lead in the bottom of the fourth. After a sacrifice fly from Nick Brueser plated Carson Greene, Cole Hinkelman came around to score on Nick Bellafronto's groundout.
Brendan Beck set the tone with a masterful performance on the mound, highlighted by seven shutout innings before surrendering a two-out, two-run homer to Channy Ortiz in the top of the eighth. Completing eight innings for the second time in his career, Beck allowed three hits and two walks while striking out seven.
The bullpens took over from there. Stanford's trio of Brandon Dieter, Zach Grech and Nathan Fleischli combined for nine innings, allowing four hits and three walks while striking out 10. After starter Kade Mechals departed after 4.1 innings, seven Grand Canyon relievers combined for 13.2 innings of relief while allowing only one run.
The Lopes threatened in the top of the 14th but stranded runners on first and second after Dominic Grissom struck out looking.
The Cardinal's best opportunity came in the bottom of the 15th when Christian Molfetta grounded out with the bases loaded.
Game two of the series is set for 2 p.m. on Saturday.