SURPRISE, Ariz. - The Ottawa University Arizona baseball team defeated Simpson University on Tuesday evening by a final of 9-4 in game one of the three game series in Surprise.



With the victory the Spirit improve to 15-16 overall, while the Redhawks fall to 12-21 with the loss.

The OUAZ offense jumped on the Redhawks early on Tuesday evening, striking for two runs in the bottom of the first inning. Following a one out single by Adrian Salazar, Josh Meyer tripled in Salazar for the game's first run. Just a few batters later, Meyer would come around to score the second run of the game on a sacrifice bunt by Esteban Martinez.

The Spirit offense did not let up after a strong first inning, as OUAZ scored two more runs in the second inning and another run in the third to take a commanding 5-0 lead. 

After a pair of scoreless innings, Simpson got on the board for the first time in the sixth inning. The Redhawks scored two runs in the sixth and two more runs in the seventh to draw within a run of the Spirit at 5-4.

OUAZ responded in the bottom of the seventh, as Josh Meyer doubled in Adrian Salazar to take the Spirit lead to 6-4. Meyer would be lifted for a courtesy runner in Lester Acoba; and he would come around to score on a groundout.

The Spirit tacked on two more runs in the bottom of the eighth inning to seal the 9-4 victory.

In the win, OUAZ starter Cole Anderson picked up the win on the bump. Anderson went six innings while allowing two runs on five hits with seven strikeouts and four walks.

Josh Meyer led the Spirit offense, finishing 2-for-4 at the plate with a double, a triple, two RBI's and a run scored.

The Spirit and Redhawks will continue their series Wednesday evening, with first pitch scheduled for 6pm on the Kansas City Royals Field #1 in Surprise.
   
 
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.