SURPRISE, Ariz. - The Ottawa University Arizona baseball team fell to the 4th ranked University of Saint Katherine Firebirds on Friday afternoon by a final score of 7-6 at Surprise Stadium.

With the loss, the Spirit drop back to the .500 mark at 19-19 overall. With the victory, the 4th ranked Firebirds improve to 29-14 overall on the year.

"This was a good college baseball game today and for the most part; well played by both teams," said OUAZ head baseball coach Tim Montez. "Offensively we did a nice job swinging the bat, but gave away some opportunities with runners in scoring position. Our bullpen did a great job giving us a chance to get back into this game."

Montez continued, "I thought the big difference in us not winning the series, was our situational defense and lack of awareness; which gave our opponent several runs in key situations. In the end , that more than anything cost us the series. We need to get back on Monday and spend a little more time on team defense."

The Firebirds struck first on Friday afternoon, scoring three runs on two hits; while also taking advantage of a Spirit error to take a 3-0 lead. OUAZ responded with a run of their own, as Austin Shumaker drew a bases loaded walk that scored Daniel Cardenas.

That run would start a streak for the Spirit, as they scored at least one run or more in the next three innings. OUAZ scored a single run in the third, before scoring two runs each in both the fourth and fifth innings.

In the fifth, Saint Katherine also scored two runs themselves. The Firebirds offense then attacked for a single run in the seventh inning to even the score at 6-6. The Firebirds scored the game-winning run in the top of the ninth, when Andres Saravia singled in Cole Brooks from second base with two outs in the top of the ninth off of reliever Hayden Durkiewicz.

In the bottom of the ninth, OUAZ got two quick outs before Esteban Martinez singled to right field. Ryan Mortenson came in to pinch-hit for Rylan Collins and struck out swinging to end the game.

The 5-6-7 hitters of Daniel Cardenas, Esteban Martinez, and Archy Olson combined to go 7-for-12 at the plate with a run scored and one RBI.

The Spirit return to action this coming Tuesday, when they host crosstown rival; Benedictine University at Mesa. First pitch is scheduled for 5pm at 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.