SURPRISE, Ariz. - The Ottawa University Arizona baseball defeated Arizona Christian University on Wednesday evening by a final of 7-4 on senior night and the 2018 home finale for OUAZ at Surprise Stadium. 
 
With the victory, the Spirit improve to 21-20 overall. With the loss, the Arizona Christian University Firestorm fall to 20-30 overall.


 
In a must win game for OUAZ, the Spirit came out and made sure to attack from the very start. OUAZ starting pitcher; senior Colton Follett, got a quick 1-2-3 inning to bring the Spirit bats to the plate. OUAZ attacked ACU's starting pitcher in the bottom of the first inning, to the tune of six runs on five hits, while leaving one runner on base.

Chandler Reynard started the inning off with a groundout, before Adrian Salazar reached base on a single. Salazar then stole second base with Josh Meyer at the plate. Meyer would then strike out, and so began the six run, two out rally for the Spirit. OUAZ would bat around in the first inning, which was highlighted by an RBI double from Greg Saenz, an RBI single by Daniel Cardenas, a two RBI triple off the bat of Hayden Durkiewicz, and an RBI single by Rylan Collins.

The Spirit held their 6-0 lead over the Firestorm into the bottom of the fourth inning, when Josh Meyer tacked on another run with an RBI double; scoring Rylan Collins.

Arizona Christian tried to make the game interesting, scoring three runs in the top of the seventh inning and one run in the top of the eighth. However it was not enough, as the Spirit held on for the 7-4 victory.

OUAZ starting pitcher Colton Follett (4-1) went five innings in the win, allowing just five hits while recording eight strikeouts and one walk. Travis Hawkins picked up the save, finishing the final two innings for the Spirit, while allowing one run on two hits with four strikeouts.

Hayden Durkiewicz led the Spirit offense, finishing 3-for-4 at the plate with two RBI's and a run scored. Both Greg Saenz and Daniel Cardenas finished 2-for-3 at the plate with a run scored and an RBI each.

Prior to the game, OUAZ honored their three seniors: Greg Saenz, Josh Meyer, and Colton Follett in a pregame on field ceremony with their families.
 
The Spirit will close out their regular season this Friday and Saturday, with a pair of doubleheaders against San Diego Christian College in Lakeside, California at the Barona Stars Field. First pitch on Friday is scheduled for 11am.
   
 
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.