Lakeland, Flor.- The top ranked Flames secured a come from behind victory in their season opener, leading to the first Firestorm loss of the season.
GAME INFO
Score - Arizona Christian 4, #1 Southeastern 6
Records - ACU 4-1 (0-0), SU 1-0 (0-0)
Location - Ted A. Broer Stadium - Lakeland, FL
STAT TRACKER
Inside the Box Score
Tonight's game started like all the others for ACU this season, with a big first inning. Ramirez stayed true to form with a double right out of the gate, followed by two more hits from Daniel Durazo and Titialii, and a wild pitch from the Flames, the Firestorm were able to put up two big runs to start the game off. Santa Cruz came out hot with clean inning in the bottom half of the 1st, but allowed his first earned run in the bottom of the 2nd. Titialii continued his run at the single season home run record in the 3rd with a rocket out over the left field fence. That would be the last run ACU could get across until the 7th. Meanwhile the Flames capitalized on a couple hits and an error to put up a big 5th inning, scoring 4 runs and regaining the lead for the rest of the night. After Southeastern got an insurance run in the 6th, Mackenzie Salmon and Eli Elliott both pitched a clean inning of relief, combining for three punch outs and no earned runs. The Firestorm gave the defending NAIA champs a run for their money, but ultimately find their first loss of the season. They'll gear up for another day of top competition tomorrow.
Thoughts from Coach McDonald:
"I love this team!"
Next for the Firestorm
The East/West Challenge continues tomorrow with the Firestorm taking on #25 Keiser University. That game will be played in Lake Myrtle, with first pitch scheduled for 2 PM Arizona time.
Roll Storm!
