MESA, Ariz. - The Ottawa University Arizona baseball team dropped the first game of a four game set this weekend at Benedictine University at Mesa by a final of 7-3 on Friday afternoon.

With the loss Friday, the Spirit fall to 3-9 overall on the season. With the victory, the BenU Mesa Redhawks improve to 9-7 overall.

The Spirit got on the board first Friday afternoon and controlled the game through the first five innings. In the top of the second inning, the Spirit would strike for the games' first run. Esteban Martinez hit a two out triple, and was brought home on the very next at-bat; a single by Chandler Reynard. OUAZ added two more runs in the top of the third inning, on a throwing error on the Redhawks shortstop. The Spirit took a 3-0 lead heading into the bottom half of the third inning.

Benedictine University at Mesa got on the scoreboard for the first time in the bottom of the third inning, following an error, a single, and a groundout. The Redhawks would add one more run in the bottom of the fourth inning to draw within a run of the Spirit at 3-2.

BenU Mesa broke the game open and took control in the bottom of the sixth inning, striking for five runs on four hits.

In the loss, Spirit starting pitcher Cole Anderson lasted five plus innings, allowing four runs; three earned on four hits. He struck out six and walked one.

Offensively for the Spirit, Adrian Salazar was the lone member from OUAZ to record multiple hits. He finished the game 2-for-4 at the plate with a run scored.

The Spirit return to the diamond tomorrow (Saturday) to conclude their three game set at Benedictine University at Mesa. Game one of Saturday's doubleheader is scheduled to begin at 11am and will be played at Gene Autry Park. 

   
 
 
About Ottawa University
Founded in 1865, Ottawa University prepares professional and liberal arts graduates for lifetimes of personal significance, vocational fulfillment and service to God and humanity within a Christ-inspired community of grace and open inquiry. Ottawa University is a comprehensive, not-for-profit educational institution serving 3,000 students through its residential campuses in Ottawa, Kan., and Surprise, Ariz., and adult campuses in Overland Park, Kan.; Phoenix, Queen Creek and Surprise, Ariz.; Brookfield, Wis.; Jeffersonville, Ind.; as well as online. For more information, visit www.ottawa.edu. 
 
For more information about OUAZ athletics, visit http://www.ottawa.edu/ouaz/athletics. Follow OUAZ athletics on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/OUAZSpiritAthletics/ and on Twitter twitter.com/OUAZSpirit.