Waddell, AZ – The Arizona Christian University baseball team (5-0) continued their unbeaten run as they came from behind edging out Taylor University (2-1) 7-5 at Canyon View High School on Friday evening in Waddell, AZ.

Series Notes:

With the win the Firestorm improve their record against Taylor to 2-2 with their previous victory coming in February 2020.

The Game:

Sergio Heguertty got the start and pitched 5 1/3 innings, recording nine strikeouts while allowing two earned runs and two hits with just one walk. Eli Elliot (1-0) picked up the victory in relief pitching 1 2/3 innings while allowing three runs, one earned on two hits while striking out three and walking two. Justin Ramirez led the Firestorm's offense going 1-for-4 with two RBIs.

The game started out as a pitchers' duel with both pitchers not allowing a hit until the fourth inning when the Firestorm would finally break through with a double. Heguertty continued to be perfect through five innings while the Firestorm got on the board in the bottom half thanks to a sac fly from Oliver Frias to make it 1-0.

Heguertty would finally run into trouble in the sixth as he loaded the bases with nobody out. The Trojans would then breakthrough on a two-run single to take the lead at 2-1. Elliot then came into the game and ­­struck out the side to limit the damage. The Firestorm would then answer to retake the lead in the bottom half of the inning. Treyton Tarver began a two out rally with a base hit to tie the game at 2-2. Then after loading the bases the Firestorm drew back-to-back walks from Marques Titialli and Frias to retake the lead at 4-2. Justin Ramirez would then follow with a two run single through the right side to increase the Firestorm lead to 6-2. Daniel Durazo then lined an RBI single to center to make it 6-2 heading into the seventh inning.

Elliot would then run into trouble in the top of the seventh as the Trojans scored three runs with two outs to cut the Firestorm lead to 7-5. That would be as close as they would get though as Andrew Hirsch came in and retired all three batters he faced in the eighth inning. Then Tarver came in for the ninth for the second night in a row picking up the save by striking out the side to finish off a 7-5 victory for the Firestorm.

Inside the Box Score:

Frias: 0-for-3, two RBIs

Ramirez: 1-for-4, two RBIs

Durazo: 2-for-4, RBI

Tarver: 1-for-3, RBI

Titialli: 0-for-0, BB, RBI

Thoughts from Coach:

After the game Head Coach Joe McDonald stated, "We showed some really good resiliency against a very well coached and talented opponent. Our execution of the game plan with discipline and some big timely hits and defensive plays backed up with quality pitching was a big reason why we were able to come out on top tonight. I love the fight and the selflessness that we have in our dugout and we will continue to get better each and every day together as a team. Another victory honoring one of my best friends and a great man."

Up Next:

The Firestorm wrap up play at the Coach Calderone Invitational tomorrow Saturday, January 29 as they take on No. 22 MidAmerica Nazarene at Canyon View High School in Waddell, AZ at 6:30 PM Arizona Time.