EASLEY, S.C. - The Ottawa University Arizona baseball dropped both of their games on Thursday in the 2018 NCCAA Baseball World Series. OUAZ fell to the #9 seed Bluefield College to begin the day by a final of 13-8. The #8 seeded Spirit then fell to the #5 seed Concordia University - Ann Arbor (MI) by a final of 5-3 at Easley High School in Easley, South Carolina.
 
With the losses, the Spirit fall to the .500 mark at 24-24 overall.

(#8) OUAZ vs (#9) Bluefield College

The Spirit began Thursday in a pitcher's duel against Bluefield College for the first three innings. The Rams struck first in the bottom of the fourth inning, when they homered to take the early 1-0 lead.

Following a quick top half of the fifth inning, Bluefield College broke through in the bottom half of the inning for 10 runs on six hits and they left a runner on base; to take a commanding 11-0 lead.

The Rams tacked on one more run in the bottom of the sixth inning; extending their lead to 12-0. The OUAZ offense then came to life, striking for three runs in the top of the seventh-inning, and five more runs in the top of the eighth inning. 

However, Bluefield scored one more run in the bottom of the eighth inning and held on for the 13-8 victory.

In the loss, Spirit starter Cole Anderson took the loss. Anderson lasted 4.1 innings, while allowing seven runs on seven hits with four strikeouts and two walks.

Offensively for OUAZ, both Chandler Reynard and Josh Meyer finished with three hits a piece. Gabe Rios went 2-for-5 at the plate as the designated hitter, and finished with a homerun, three RBI's and a run scored.

(#8) OUAZ vs (#5) Concordia University - Ann Arbor

Following the tough loss to Bluefield College, the #8 seed OUAZ returned to the field about 30 minutes later to compete against the #5 seed Concordia University - Ann Arbor (MI). The Spirit trailed all game long and fell late by a final of 5-3. Both the Spirit and Cardinals combined for 25 hits in the game, with a total of just eight runs.

The Cardinals began the game by scoring a run each of the first three innings off of OUAZ starting pitcher Zack McLeod. He went three innings on the bump and allowed the aforementioned three runs; two earned on six hits with five strikeouts and two walks in the loss.

After surrendering a run in the top of the fifth inning, OUAZ got on the scoreboard for the first time in the bottom half of the inning with a Josh Meyer single to left field, which scored Daniel Cardenas. The Spirit offense continued to attack, scoring another run in the bottom of the sixth inning and one more run in the bottom of the eighth inning.

The Concordia - Ann Arbor Cardinals would not go away, striking for another run in the top of the ninth for some insurance, as they extended their lead to 5-3. OUAZ started to get something going in the bottom of the ninth, as they had two on and two outs with Jared Crockett at the plate. He hit the ball on the ground to the shortstop, who recorded the fielder's choice at second base to end the game and seal the 5-3 win for Concordia University - Ann Arbor.

In the loss, Josh Meyer led the Spirit at the plate, finishing 3-for-5 with one RBI and a stolen base.

The #8 Spirit close out Pool Play in the 2018 NCCAA Baseball World Series on Friday afternoon, when they face the #4 seed Southwestern Christian University from Bethany, Oklahoma. First pitch is scheduled for 12 Noon EST/9am Arizona time on Friday at the JB "Red" Owens Sports Complex in Easley, South Carolina.
 
   
 
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.