Dixie State could not make an early lead stand as the Trailblazers dropped the opening game of a crucial three-game WAC series to West Division leading Grand Canyon, 7-2, on Friday night at Bruce Hurst Field.  
 
The Trailblazers (14-15/8-5 WAC) broke through with two third-inning runs and three hits to jump out in front. Jagun Leavitt and Shane Taylor both singled to open the frame. Then after a Jack Walker sacrifice moved both runners into scoring position, Kaden Hollow singled up the middle to chase the pair home to stake DSU to a two-run advantage.
 
Sophomore righthander Brett Porthan (L, 5-2) was dealing early, retiring 11 of the first 14 Lopes he faced while surrendering only two hits, one of which was erased on an inning-ending double play in the third.
 
However GCU (21-11/11-2 WAC) solved the Blazer hurler in the fifth, striking for three runs in the frame, and would tack two more in the sixth to chase Porthan and take a 5-2 lead.
 
Meanwhile, Lope starter Nick Hull (W, 3-1) and two GCU relievers combined to limit Dixie State to just three hits and six total base runners over the next six innings. Grand Canyon would put the game out of reach with a two-run Tyler Wilson homer in the ninth to provide the final margin.
 
DSU finished with eight hits on the night, with Taylor, Hollow and Tyler Hollow each collecting two safeties apiece. Porthan struck out one, but was touched up for five runs and eight hits in 5.1 innings of work.
 
Dixie State will look to even in the series in game two on Saturday afternoon. First pitch is slated for 2 p.m.