SURPRISE, Ariz. - The Arizona Christian University baseball team (16-10) defeated Ottawa University - Arizona (4-6) in a non-conference baseball game Tuesday evening, 5-3 at KC Royals Field 6.

Series Notes:

ACU is now 11-6 against OUAZ in the all-time series and are 2-0 against the Spirit so far this season.

The Game:

Despite being outhit by the Spirit in the contest, 12-9, the Firestorm went ahead early after adding three runs in the top of the first inning thanks to a two-RBI single from Robby Campillo and an RBI from Manny Villa on a fielder's choice.

ACU added one run in the second and third inning and remained in the lead the entire contest.  Down two runs entering the bottom half of the ninth however, OUAZ attempted to get back into the game by getting its first two batters on base with back-to-back singles.

That brought the tying run to the plate in a 5-3 game with no outs.  Needing three outs to win the game, ACU's defense accomplished just that with one play, as a sharply hit grounder to third turned into a 5-4-3 triple play, giving the Firestorm a 5-3 win in dramatic fashion.

Eli Elliot got the start and went 5-1/3 innings in the win, allowing two runs on five hits to go along with three walks and six strikeouts.  Brett Wagner allowed one run in 1-1/3 innings of relief and struck out three, and Brett Aker and Anthony Defrancesco pitched the final two innings, with Defrancesco earning his fifth save of the season.

Offensively, Brent Smith went 3-for-4 and scored a run, Campillo finished with two hits and a pair of RBI, and Ramon Miranda and Justin Ramirez each added a hit and scored a run.

Thoughts from Coach: 

"Pitching and defense were the keys to our victory tonight.  We had a really good starting performance from Eli and great defense throughout the game.  Our ability to score runs early was the difference in the game, and it is exciting anytime you seal a win with a triple play."

Up Next:

Coached by Joe McDonald, the Firestorm host Bethesda University of California for a non-conference doubleheader on Wednesday, March 3 beginning at 5:30 p.m. Arizona Time at Apollo High School in Glendale, Ariz.  No spectators will be allowed.