Phoenix, AZ- Arizona Christian University put together a six run seventh inning but couldn't complete the comeback against Golden State Athletic Conference opponent Hope International University on Friday.  The Firestorm dropped the contest by a final score of 11-8 in an error filled game.

The Royals (7-5, 1-3 GSAC) started the game off strong plating two runs in the top of the first inning. ACU was able to cut the deficit in half during their half inning on a solo home run to left field by Senior Adam Wolfe- his first of the season.

Hope International added one run in the top of third and three more runs in the top of the fourth before ACU was able to scratch across one run in the bottom half of the fourth inning.  Wolfe was able to reach on a throwing error by the Royals third baseman.  With two outs, Senior Michael Dunnebecke doubled to right field on a 1-0 count to score Wolfe from first base.

The Royals then found success in the top of the sixth inning plating five runs on four hits and two ACU errors.

In the bottom of the seventh inning, the Firestorm offense found its groove scoring six runs on five hits and batting around the lineup.  Dunnebecke was the first to reach base on roping his second double of the day down the left field line.  Senior Marco Castilla drove in Dunnebecke on a single through the right side. Junior Eric Schwalbe pinch ran at first base for Castilla with Senior Dom Rodriguez at the plate. Rodriguez was able to work a walk.  Senior Kyle Robbins followed suite and drew a second walk in as many batters to load the bases.  After a Royals pitching change, Junior Nicholas McCormick singled up the middle to drive in two RBI.  After a fielder's choice, Wolfe was able to strike again and single up the middle to drive in his second RBI of the day.  Sophomore Cohen Heckethorn came to the plate to pinch hit and delivered. Heckethorn doubled down the left field line driving in two more Firestorm runs making the score 11-8.

After the scorching hot seventh inning, ACU only gained one more hit in the contest over the next two innings.

Wolfe led the Firestorm at the plate ending the day 2-for-5 at the plate, scoring three runs, and driving in two RBI.  Dunnebecke ended the game going 2-for-4 with one run scored and one RBI.  McCormick and Heckethorn also drove in two ACU runs apiece.  

Senior Devin Rose started on the mound tossing four innings allowing six runs on seven hits while striking out two.  Junior Steven Butts was the first out of the bullpen tossing two innings allowing five runs on five hits (one earned) and striking out two.  Seniors Austin Bright and Colton Wheeler and Junior River Carbone all saw action on the mound tossing a collective three innings allowing no runs on only one hit combined.  Rose took the loss on the mound falling 1-1 on the season.

The Firestorm defense committed four errors on the day.

The GSAC series between Hope International and Arizona Christian continues tomorrow with a doubleheader at Firestorm Field beginning at 11:00 am.