Tempe, AZ – The Arizona Christian University baseball team (13-6) got back on the winning track as they took down Park-Gilbert (1-7) 9-2 on Tuesday evening at Tempe Diablo Stadium in Tempe, AZ.

Series Notes:

The Firestorm improved their record against the Buccaneers to 4-0.

The Game:

Roy Washburn (1-0) picked up the win in his second start of the season pitching 5 innings while allowing two earned runs on seven hits while striking out one. Troy Collins went 2-for-3 with 2 RBIs, Manny Villa went 3-for-4 with 2 RBIs and Justin Ramirez went 1-for-4 with 2 RBIs to lead the Firestorm's offense.

The game was scoreless until the fourth inning when the Firestorm opened the scoring. After a leadoff walk Troy Collins stepped up big and delivered a one out double to put the Firestorm up 1-0. The Buccaneers fought back in the bottom half of the inning as they scored two runs to take a 2-1 lead.

After a scoreless fifth inning the Firestorm got back on top as they put up a big number in the top of the sixth. With two on and nobody out Collins stepped to the plate again and delivered knocking an RBI single to right to tie the game 2-2. Then with two outs the go ahead run scored on an error to put the Firestorm up 3-2. Sean Garcia then delivered an RBI single to make it 4-2. The Firestorm would add another run on a passed ball before Justin Ramirez drove in two runs on a base hit to make it 7-2.

The Firestorm weren't done though as they tacked on two more runs in the top of the seventh as Manny Villa blasted a 2-run home run to left field to put the Firestorm up 9-2. Evan Massie and Eli Elliot then came in and both pitched two innings of relief to close out the game as the Firestorm emerged victorious.

Inside the Box Score:

Villa: 3-for-4, 2 RBIs, HR

Collins: 2-for-3, 2 RBIs

Ramirez: 1-for-4, 2 RBIs

Garcia: 1-for-3, RBI

Thoughts From Coach:

After the game Coach Joe McDonald stated, "We've been working hard to improve our two-strike hitting and it paid off tonight with some quality at bats with two strikes and some big hits. Pitching did a great job tonight throwing strikes and pounding the zone and our defense was on point. We will enjoy this one tonight and get ready for another GSAC series this weekend."

Up Next:

The Firestorm continue GSAC play at home as they take on rival OUAZ in a four game series beginning with a doubleheader on Friday, February 25 at 4:00 PM in Waddell, AZ.