SURPRISE, Ariz. - The Ottawa University Arizona baseball team won their home opener on Friday evening at Surprise Stadium, by defeating the College of Idaho by a final of 14-2.



With the victory the Spirit improve to 2-6 overall, while the College of Idaho falls to 3-7 on the year.
 
The College of Idaho struck first on Friday evening, scoring a run in the top of the second inning on a throwing error by the Spirit. Following the mistake by OUAZ, the Spirit responded with 12 straight runs on their way to a 14-2 victory in their first home game in program history.
 
As a team OUAZ finished with 14 runs on 16 hits in the win. OUAZ evening the score at 1-1 in the bottom of the third inning, before exploding for three runs in both the fourth and fifth innings and five runs in the sixth inning.
 
Spirit starting pitcher Cole Anderson (1-1) picked up his first win of the season, lasting 6 2/3 of an inning, while allowing two runs; one earned on nine hits, while striking out eight.
 
Five members of the Spirit finished with at least two hits apiece. Austin Schumaker finished 2-for-2 at the plate with three runs scored, two walks and an RBI. Braxton Smith finished 2-for-3 at the dish with three RBI's and a run scored.
 
Games two and three of this four game set will take place Saturday afternoon at Surprise Stadium. Game one is scheduled to start at 1pm and is scheduled to go nine innings. Following the completion of game one, there will be a 20-30 minute break before game two; which is scheduled to go seven innings. Admission and parking to all games are free.

   
 
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.