WADDELL, Ariz. - After a 10-day break from play, the ACU baseball team (26-15; 2-4 GSAC) returned to conference play and lost both games of its doubleheader with Ottawa University - Arizona (15-14; 5-1 GSAC) on Friday by scores of 12-9 and 10-4 at Canyon View High School.

Series/Game Notes:

Despite the pair of losses, the Firestorm still lead the Spirit 12-8 in the all-time series.

Game One:

ACU led briefly after adding a run in the first inning, but OUAZ would take a lead after a six-run third inning and would hold a lead for the remainder of the contest.  The Firestorm attempted a late comeback by scoring three runs in the eighth to come within three runs of the Spirit, 12-9, but would be held scoreless in the ninth as OUAZ would go on to win, 12-9.

Starter Sergio Heguertty (1-2) went five innings and allowed eight runs on 11 hits in the loss.  Tanner Durazo gave up four runs on five hits in 2-2/3 innings of relief, and Spencer Davis threw 1-1/3 innings of scoreless baseball and allowed just one hit.

Justin Ramirez hit a three-run home run and went 2-for-4 with a stolen base.  Brent Smith went 3-for-5 with a pair of doubles and scored three times, Justen Burkey also added three hits in five tries and scored a run, and Ramon Miranda went 2-for-4 with a pair of RBI.

Game Two:

OUAZ broke a 1-1 tie after adding five runs in the fourth inning and would continue to score, adding two additional runs in the fifth and seventh innings en route to picking up a 10-4 win in a seven-inning contest.

Right-handed starter Eli Elliot (2-2) went 3-1/3 innings and allowed five earned runs on six hits while walking four and striking out two.  Three relievers combined to toss the final 3-2/3 innings and allowed four runs on three hits with two walks and four strikeouts.

Smith and Burkey each finished with two hits with Smith also knocking in two.  Damien McElroy added a hit and RBI, and Miranda and Randen Garrison each tripled and scored a run.

Thoughts from Coach: 

"Today was a tough day for us as we made too many mistakes in big situations, and we were not prepared.  I take ownership of that, but I can tell you that we will be ready tomorrow as we honor our seniors."

Up Next:

Coached by Joe McDonald, the Firestorm host OUAZ for a GSAC doubleheader and Senior Day on Sat., March 27 beginning at 4 p.m. Arizona Time at Canyon View High School in Waddell, Ariz.