Fullerton, CA- On Friday, Arizona Christian was swept 5-4 and 8-0 at Hope International.  Though a win on Friday would have helped, the GSAC playoffs are still within reach for the Firestorm if they can sweep San Diego Christian on Saturday and get some help from William Jessup.

As for Friday's games, the Royals (27-15, 12-12 GSAC) took advantage of the wildness of Senior Destinee Spencer who walked seven of the 11 batters she faced as HIU scored two in the first and two in the second.

Freshman Hilaria Stewart came on in relief and threw the final 5.1 innings to keep the Firestorm (26-25, 7-15 GSAC) close.

ACU answered with two runs in the fifth and two more in the sixth for the tie. 

In the fifth, Sophomore Taylor Babbitt opened with a single to third.  Junior Chelsea Havill singled as the next batter.  Sophomore Jenna Castilleja singled to load the bases.  Senior Sianna Gomez then sent a single into right center to score Babbitt and pinch runner Alyssa Rodriguez.

Freshman Paige Church started the sixth with a double down the right field line.  One out later, Babbitt singled Church home.  Havill then doubled to center.  Senior Meaghen Nelson dropped down a squeeze bunt to drive in Babbitt and tie the game at 4-4.

Gomez was hit by a pitch in the seventh but was left stranded to set up the potential walk-off opportunity for Hope International.  They did not miss their chance as another walk, sacrifice bunt, single, and error gave HIU the game one victory.

Game two belonged to the Royals as they no hit the Firestorm.  A pair of walks in the fourth was the only real threat for ACU.  HIU scored three in the second, one in the third, and another four runs in the fifth to create the walk-off mercy rule.

On Saturday, the Firestorm will have to beat San Diego Christian both games at their place while rooting for William Jessup to beat Biola at least once if ACU is to continue their season into the playoffs.  ACU owns the head to head tie break against Biola and would hold the same tie break against San Diego Christian with the Saturday sweep.  First pitch between ACU and SDCC is set for 12:00 pm at the Santee Sports Complex.