SURPRISE, Ariz. – Playing the first game on the new surface inside Surprise Stadium, the OUAZ baseball team struggled to find a timely hit as the dropped the opener of a three-game series with Park Gilbert, 5-4.
 
OUAZ (0-4) had a 3-1 lead through four innings by taking advantage of sloppy field from Park Gilbert (7-3). That lead remained into the top of the seventh when the Buccaneers scored three times after two outs were recorded to take a 4-3 lead.
 
It was 5-3 with two outs in the bottom of the ninth when Hunter Lessard tripled down the right field line. He would score on single from Adrian Salazar to get the Spirit within one. OUAZ would then load the bases before Jared Crockett grounded out to end the game.
 
The groundout was the story of the night as the Spirit finished 1 for 13 with runners in scoring position and hitless in three at bats with the bases loaded.
 
Lessard ended the night with a pair of hits and a run scored. Kobie Tinsley also had a two-hit game with a run scored and Jordan Hollins added an RBI.
 
Gage Johnson got stuck with a no decision on the mound after allowing one run on four hits in 5.2 innings of work. He also posted a pair of strikeouts. Hayden Sandman (0-1) suffered the loss after giving up three runs without recording an out. Myles White gave up two his with three strikeouts in three innings.
 
The teams will play game two of the series on Friday night at Surprise Stadium with first pitch at 6 p.m.