SURPRISE, Ariz. - In its third extra-inning game of the season, the ACU baseball team (26-13) defeated Ottawa University - Arizona (10-13), 6-4 in 11 innings Tuesday evening at Royals Field 6.

Series/Game Notes:

The victory moves ACU's all-time record against OUAZ to 12-6 and increases its winning streak over the Spirit to three games.  The win also moves the Firestorm's record to 2-1 this season in extra-inning games.

The ACU pitching staff struck out 22 opponents Tuesday night to set a new team record in a game.  The previous record of 21 was set against La Sierra University on April 14, 2012.

The Game:

ACU got on the board in the second inning, but would lose its lead after OUAZ scored twice in the third.  The Firestorm would tie things up in the seventh, but the Spirit would one again go ahead in the eighth after scoring two runs.

With their backs against the wall, the Firestorm plated two runs in the ninth inning to avoid the loss and to force extra innings.  Neither team would score in the first extra fram, but ACU would get two across in the eleventh inning en route to winning 6-4 after 11.

Tanner Durazo started and allowed two runs on five hits across 4-1/3 innings, walking one and striking out nine.  Five ACU relievers would be used during the remainder of the contest, with Anthony Defrancesco (4-0) picking up his fourth win of the season after tossing the final three innings, allowing no runs on one hit while punching out seven.

Ramon Miranda went 2-for-4 with a pair of RBI and a walk, Manny Villa doubled twice and knocked in a run, Justin Ramirez added two hits, one RBI, one run scored, and one stolen base, and Roberto Lopez went 2-for-4.

Thoughts from Coach: 

"Tonight was a great team victory and a great example of how you play until the very last out is made.  Our pitchers did a great job and we had great execution with small ball that led to some big runs.  We also played great defense that helped us earn the win."

Up Next:

Coached by Joe McDonald, the Firestorm resume GSAC play with a doubleheader at OUAZ on Fri., March 26 at 10 a.m. Arizona Time in Surprise, Ariz.