TEMPE, Ariz. – The final day of the Maricopa Cup saw the OUAZ baseball team give up a late lead for the second straight day in a 9-8 loss to Park Gilbert at the practice fields at Tempe Diablo Stadium.
 
It was OUAZ (0-3) that rallied early as they scored seven straight runs after falling behind 3-0 in the first inning. Jordan Hollins got the Spirit on the board with a two-run double to start a 3-run third inning. The Spirit would then score four runs in the fifth inning by taking advantage of fielding miscues from Park Gilbert (3-3).
 
The lead was 8-3 after OUAZ hit in the top of the seventh when the Buccaneers began to rally. They scored twice in the bottom of the seventh, and then Cade Maestas hit a grand slam in the bottom of the eighth to provide the final margin.
 
OUAZ had just six hits in the game with Jared Crockett's two hits representing the team's only multi-hit game. Hollins and Hunter Lessard finished with two RBI apiece with Crockett and Hollins posting a double each.
 
Taylor Campos started on the hill for the Spirit and allowed three runs on six hits with four strikeouts in 4.2 innings. Dylan Chelini (0-1) took the loss after giving up two runs in two-thirds of an inning.
 
OUAZ now has a week off before they get back into action with a three-game series against Park Gilbert on February 6-8 at Surprise Stadium.