PHOENIX, Ariz. - The Ottawa University Arizona baseball team defeated crosstown rival; Arizona Christian University on Tuesday afternoon by a final of 11-3 at Firestorm Field in Phoenix.

With the victory, the Spirit improve to 10-14 overall on the year. With the loss, the Arizona Christian Firestorm fall to 10-17 on the season.

"We played a complete game this afternoon from top to bottom," said OUAZ head baseball coach Tim Montez. "We had a good approach at the plate, which started from last night's practice and preparation."

Montez continued, "Our bullpen was outstanding and hopefully that's the shot in the arm we need to get over the hump on the backend of the bullpen. We have 12 hours to enjoy this one, then back to work on Thursday as we host a very good Vanguard University team at 6pm."

The OUAZ offense came to play on Tuesday afternoon, as they got off to a blazing start against the Firestorm. The Spirit struck for two runs in the first inning, thanks to an RBI double by Race Traynor and an RBI single by Gabe Rios. OUAZ would tack on one more run in the top of the second inning to take an early 3-0 lead on a fielder's choice.

Arizona Christian University got on the board in the bottom of the second inning when they scored the first of their three runs of the afternoon.

The Spirit offense attacked ACU for a total of five runs in the fourth through sixth innings, along with another three runs in the ninth inning.

All in all, OUAZ outscored the Firestorm 11 to 3 and outhit ACU 15 to 8.

In the victory, Chandler Reynard finished 4-for-6 in the leadoff spot with two runs scored. The 4-5-6 hitters in the Spirit order; which consisted of Greg Saenz, Race Traynor, and Gabe Rios, combined to go 7-for-15 at the plate with seven RBI's and four runs scored.

On the mound for the Spirit, Xavier Luna got the starting nod; while Colton Follett picked up the victory in relief. Follett lasted 3.2 innings, while allowing two runs on five hits with four strikeouts.

The Spirit return home this Thursday March 15^th to face 24^th ranked Vanguard University. First pitch is scheduled for 6pm at the Kansas City Royals practice field behind Surprise Stadium.
   
 
 
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 4,000 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.