Box Score GLENDALE, Ariz. - Led by third-year Head Coach Joe McDonald, the Arizona Christian University baseball team (1-1) earned its first win Thursday evening over the College of Idaho (1-1), 7-3 at Apollo High School.
Series Notes:
The win moves ACU to 4-6 against College of Idaho in the all-time series and extends the Firestorm's win streak against the Yotes to two games.
The Game:
After allowing 15 walks the previous night, the ACU pitching staff showed much improvement today, led by a strong performance from starter, Brett Aker (1-0). Aker earned the win after allowing just one run on four hits across six innings, walking three and striking out five.
After the game, Aker said of his performance, "It was good to be back and to compete. I felt good, but in the first inning I was a little antsy and excited trying to shake off some nerves. As the game went on I was able to lock back in though and I slowed down my pace and refocused."
His effort on the mound was mirrored at the plate by first baseman Justen Burkey, who finished the night 3-for-5 with three doubles, two RBI, and a run scored. He said after the contest, "It felt good to get the win. I was just focused on doing what I could do to help the team, got a couple of good pitches to handle and I put a good swing on them. Last night I got the jitters out after being out for a year and a half, but tonight it felt like I never left."
Inside the Box Score:
Ramon Miranda: 1-for-2, two runs scored, two walks, two stolen bases
Justin Ramirez: 1-for-4, triple, two runs scored, one walk
Brent Smith: 1-for-4, one run scored, one walk, one stolen base
Kurtis Roberts: 1-for-2, one run scored
ACU's Spencer Davis, Alec Ortiz, and Anthony Defrancesco each finished with shutout relief appearances, with the hard-throwing Defrancesco picking up a save after striking out all five batters he faced in the final 1-2/3 innings.
Thoughts from Coach:
"It's always nice to get the first win of the year and to get into the win column. Tonight we had a great pitching performance and we had some timely hits and run production. We played timely defense once again and did a much better job of throwing strikes and playing our game with a lot of energy. Overall it was a good team victory."
Up Next:
The Firestorm host Oklahoma Panhandle State University on Fri., Jan. 29 for a non-conference game as part of the Coach Calderone Classic at Apollo High School at 12:30 p.m. Arizona Time. Spectators will not be permitted.
