SURPRISE, Ariz. - The Ottawa University Arizona baseball team fell late on Wednesday evening to the hands of their crosstown rivals; Arizona Christian University by a final of 6-2 at Surprise Stadium.
 
With the loss, the Spirit fall back to the .500 mark at 20-20. With the victory, the Arizona Christian University Firestorm improve to 17-27 overall.

"That was a tough loss, especially with the job (Miguel) Cirino and (Zack) McLeod did on the mound for seven innings," said OUAZ head baseball coach Tim Montez. "Two hits, one walk and twelve strikeouts is all you can ask for as a coach. We just didn't get anything going offensively and to be quite honest, we didn't respect the game. And when that happens, the game will beat you every time."

Montez continued, "I told our guys that they still have everything in front of them and that is all you can ask for at this time of the year; something to play for. They need to come back and clock in and get back to work first thing tomorrow morning and finish out the week with character and mental toughness."

Wednesday's match-up between the crosstown rivals Spirit and Firestorm, was a pitchers duel until the final three innings.

The Spirit broke the scoreless tie in the bottom of the seventh inning, when both Austin Shumaker and Jared Crockett drew bases loaded walks, to give OUAZ a 2-0 lead. The Spirit would leave the bases loaded and finished the inning with a pair of runs on just one hit.

The Arizona Christian bats then came to life in the eighth and ninth innings, attacking the Spirit bullpen for six runs on six hits. The Firestorm defense limited OUAZ to just one hit in the final two frames, to claim their first win in the season series against the Spirit.

Lost in the mix, was the strong pitching performances by OUAZ starting pitcher Miguel Cirino and reliever Zack Mcleod. Cirino went four innings and received a no decision, while allowing just two hits, one walk, while striking out six. McLeod came in to relieve Cirino to start the fifth inning, and lasted three innings. McLeod was spotless in relief, while striking out a career high six.

Offensively as a team, the Spirit finished with just six hits off of the six pitchers the Firestorm sent to the mound. Four of the hits for OUAZ, came off of starter Cam Sharp. Greg Saenz led the offense, finishing 3-for-4 at the plate with a double, a run scored, and a stolen base.

The Spirit will have a week off, before they return to the diamond to once again host Arizona Christian University next Wednesday. First pitch is scheduled for 6pm at Surprise Stadium. Make sure to come early, as OUAZ will honor their three seniors in a pregame ceremony.
   
  
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.