Phoenix, AZ- Arizona Christian came out swinging to begin GSAC play on Friday afternoon as they beat San Diego Christian 14-8.  The Firestorm hammered out 13 extra base hits including Senior Jose Pereyda launching two home runs and Jonathan Nunnally, Jr. hitting one.

The first inning saw the Firestorm (9-4, 1-0 GSAC) use a pair of singles to score a run.

However, in the second inning, ACU put on a doubles hitting display.  With one out Nunnally, Pereyda, and Junior Matt Mara hit back-to-back-to-back doubles.  Two batters later, Junior Michael Dunnebecke doubled home Mara.  Senior Hector Ortiz singled to drive in Dunnebecke.  Junior Marco Castilla doubled into the right field corner and Ortiz raced all the way home from first.  With their five spot in the second, ACU moved in front 6-0.

In the third, Arizona Christian upped their height and distance as Nunnally (his third of the season) and Pereyda hit back-to-back jacks to left.  A single and two more doubles tacked on two more runs and ACU suddenly held a 10-0 lead.

An inning later, Nunnally's second double, Pereyda's second home run of the game and season, and a second double by Ortiz highlighted the four run effort that resulted in a 14-0 cushion.  The Firestorm ended up with 10 doubles.

Head Coach Bill Swift stated, "Never seen so many doubles in my life… had to be some type of record."

Meanwhile, Senior Dillon Eaves was dealing six scoreless innings while allowing three singles and striking out eight.  In the second, Eaves allowed consecutive hits to start the inning and faced a runner at second and third with nobody out situation.  But he struck out the side to escape the jam.

Swift added, "Anytime you come out swinging like that, it's tough to pitch those games... Dillon did a great job of staying locked in."

Seniors Chris Paulson and Austin Bright followed suit and logged scoreless innings.

Needing just three outs to close out the win, ACU pitching suddenly lost control and the Hawks (1-4, 0-1 GSAC) erupted for eight runs in the ninth.  SDCC used a double, four singles, two walks, and a hit batter to score their runs.

Coach Swift concluded his thoughts with the following, "Nunnally was locked in.  Pereyda swung the bat great and had two great knocks.  Good to see him get out of a slump.  Had some stellar defensive plays too.  Guys were just really fired up for one another today, and balls were flying everywhere.  I have not seen balls fly like that in awhile."

On Saturday, the Hawks and the Firestorm will conclude their three game series with a doubleheader beginning at 11:00 am.