Lakeland, Fla.- The 2025 season came to a close for ACU baseball as the Firestorm were eliminated from postseason contention after dropping both games of a doubleheader in the NAIA Opening Round. A hard-fought 8–5 loss to Southeastern in the first game was followed by a narrow 6–5 defeat against Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College (ABAC), ending ACU's season with a final record of 40-16-1.

In game one, ACU found themselves in an early hole after Southeastern exploded for seven runs in the third inning. Though the Firestorm matched Southeastern in total hits (9), defensive lapses and missed opportunities proved costly. ACU mounted a late rally in the eighth, sparked by a three-run home run off the bat of Kane Kiaunis, but it wasn't enough to overcome the early deficit. Starter Trey Tarver (5-3) took the loss, while Southeastern's A. Robertson (10-2) earned the win, and C. Jones closed things out for his 11th save.

Needing a win to keep their season alive, ACU jumped out to a 2–0 lead in the first inning on a two-RBI single from Nathan Greene, but Abraham Baldwin responded quickly with five runs over the first two frames. Despite chipping away—including a game-tying unearned run in the seventh—the Firestorm couldn't hold off ABAC, who pushed across the go-ahead run in the eighth. Jackson Hohensee was tagged with the loss in relief, while ACU stranded nine runners in a tightly contested game. Offensively, Kane Kiaunis went 3-for-4 with two doubles, continuing his strong day at the plate.

Though the season ends sooner than hoped, ACU finishes with an impressive 40-15-1 record, highlighted by consistent play and key performances throughout the spring. The Firestorm showed resilience throughout the doubleheader but ultimately couldn't overcome the early firepower of Southeastern or the clutch hitting of ABAC.

Head Coach Joe McDonald will look to build on this foundation in 2026 as the program continues its ascent in the NAIA ranks.


Game Info

• Game One Score: Arizona Christian - 5, Southeastern - 8
• Game Two Score: Arizona Christian - 5, Abraham Baldwin - 6
• Records: Arizona Christian - 40-15-1, Southeastern - 43-13, Abraham Baldwin - 38-15
• Location: Ted A. Broer Stadium, Lakeland, FL

ACU Game One Stats

• Trey Tarver – 2 for 4, 2 hits, 1 run
• Logan Sanders – 2 for 4, 2 hits, 1 run
• Nathan Greene – 2 for 4, 2 hits
• Andrew Ivy – 1 for 5, 1 hit, 1 RBI, 1 run
• Kane Kiaunis – 1 for 4, 1 hit, 1 home run, 3 RBI, 1 run
• Jared Anderson – 1 for 4, 1 hit
• Jordan Vickers – 4.0 IP, 5 K, 0 runs, 2 hits

Inside Game One

• In the third inning, ACU was down 7-0 when Andrew Ivy singled to left center and earned an RBI after Tanner Vielguth scored. SEU still led 7-1. 
• In the eighth inning, ACU tried coming back when Ivy reached first on an error by the shortstop, allowing Logan Sanders to score. Kane Kiaunis also hit a 3-run home run to right center field. SEU still led 8-5. 
• ACU lost the game, 8-5.  

ACU Game Two Stats

• Kane Kiaunis – 3 for 4, 3 hits, 1 run
• Jaylen Edmonds – 2 for 4, 2 hits, 2 runs, 1 walk
• Sean Garcia – 1 for 3, 1 hit, 1 run, 1 walk
• Andrew Ivy – 1 for 4, 1 hit, 1 run, 1 walk
• Logan Sanders – 1 for 4, 1 hit
• Nathan Greene – 1 for 5, 1 hit, 2 RBI
• Trey Tarver – 1 for 5, 1 hit
• Eastyn Culp – 5.1 IP, 4 K, 3 walks, 9 hits, 5 runs

Inside Game Two

• The Firestorm were on the board first after Nathan Greene singled up the middle, earning 2 RBI after Kane Kiaunis and Jaylen Edmonds scored. ACU led 2-0. 
• In the third inning, Jared Anderson reached first on an error by the third baseman, allowing Andrew Ivy to score. ABAC still led 5-3. 
• In the fourth inning, Jaylen Edmonds grounded into a double play, but Seam Garcis was able to score. ABAC still led 5-4. 
• Nathan Greene reached on a fielder's choice, advancing to second on an error by the second baseman. Edmonds was able to score and tie the game. ACU tied the game 5-5.
• ABAC took the lead in the eighth inning, after hitting a single to right field. 
• ACU lost the second game, 5-6. 

Thoughts from Coach McDonald 
"I'm really proud of this group of young men that have continued the success of ACU Baseball. It was a great season and one I will never forget in the special bond that we all have with each other… We win forever."

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The 2025 season comes to a close for the Firestorm.