LAKESIDE, Calif. - The Ottawa University Arizona baseball team closed out their 2018 regular season on Saturday afternoon, with a doubleheader at San Diego Christian College. The Spirit won game one by a final of 9-5, before falling 9-1 in seven-innings in game two. OUAZ claimed the series victory; as they won three out of the four games.

With the split Saturday, the Spirit close out the regular season with a record of 24-21. San Diego Christian College sees their 2018 season come to a close, with a final record of 16-33-1.

"We had a good week of baseball to wrap up this historical inaugural season, finishing it out by winning four of our last five games," said OUAZ head baseball coach Tim Montez. "After a slow start to the season, these young men did a great job staying together and winning 21 of their last 31 ball games. Now all we can do is wait until Monday to see if we have postseason play in our future."

Montez continued, "No matter what happens, this was a good solid first year in laying the foundation for our program and I am extremely thankful for the work and dedication from my players and my coaching staff. God willing, we have a lot to look forward to."

Game One:
 
Game one featured a battle between the Spirit and the Hawks. San Diego Christian College struck first with a run in the bottom of the first inning to take the early 1-0 lead.

After a pair of scoreless frames, the Spirit got on the scoreboard with a pair of runs in the top of the fourth inning. Following a pair of one out walks and a single, Greg Saenz doubled to bring in Adrian Salazar to even the game at 1-1. Daniel Cardenas then came to the plate, and grounded out to shortstop which brought in Josh Meyer from third; giving OUAZ their first lead of the game at 2-1.

San Diego Christian evened the game at 2-2 in the bottom of the fourth inning, and then went on to score two more runs in the bottom of the sixth inning to regain the lead at 4-2.

OUAZ controlled the game from there on out, scoring seven total runs in the final three innings for the game one 9-5 victory.

In the win, Greg Saenz finished 3-for-5 at the plate with two RBI's and a run scored. Adrian Salazar, Daniel Cardenas, and Jared Crockett all finished with two hits a piece.

OUAZ starting pitcher Miguel Cirino went six innings, allowing four runs on nine hits with five strikeouts and three walks; while receiving a no decision. Tyler Collins picked up the win in relief, going one inning while allowing one hit with a strikeout and two walks. 

Game Two:
 
After claiming the first three games in the four game set at San Diego Christian College; the Hawks came out determined in game two of Saturday's double-dip to salvage at least one game in the series.

The Hawks offense attacked early and often, to the tune of nine runs on nine hits.

OUAZ got on the scoreboard in the top of the fifth inning, when Jared Crockett grounded out; scoring Spencer Kemper from third base. The Spirit finished the game with five hits, two of which came from leadoff batter Chandler Reynard.

Hayden Durkiewicz took the loss, lasting 3.1 innings while allowing four runs; three earned on seven hits with one strikeout and two walks.

   
 
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.