Surprise, Ariz.-- The OUAZ Spirit fell to Madonna University on Monday evening at the Surprise Spring Training Complex, dropping a 6–0 decision to the Crusaders. The loss marked the first time this season that the Spirit have been shut out and moves OUAZ to 19-9 overall.
Madonna wasted little time getting on the board, as Ty Stepek led off the game with a solo home run to left field in the first inning. The Crusaders extended their lead in the second inning with a pivotal four-run frame. Kooper Etheridge delivered the big swing of the inning, launching a grand slam to left-center field that pushed the Madonna advantage to 5-0. The runs were unearned following a defensive miscue earlier in the inning.
Despite the early deficit, OUAZ's pitching staff settled in and kept the game within reach. Baley Viscardi was particularly effective out of the bullpen, striking out five over two scoreless innings while allowing just one hit. Brayden Marcum followed with two strong innings of relief, and Brandon Enders later added four strikeouts across two innings while allowing one run.
However, the Spirit offense struggled to find rhythm against Madonna starter Jason Jurczyk. Jurczyk worked 5.2 scoreless innings while striking out eight and allowing just one hit. Reliever Jacob Kowalski closed out the final 3.1 innings to secure the shutout.
OUAZ managed only two hits in the game, both coming from Devin Duque, who went 2-for-2 after entering the game as a substitute in right field.
Madonna added its final run in the eighth inning on a groundout by Donovan Thompson that scored Aamir Mitchell, extending the lead to 6-0.
The Spirit will look to bounce back later this week as they return to conference play on the road. OUAZ will travel to Riverside, California, to face La Sierra in a GSAC doubleheader on Thursday, March 12, with first pitch scheduled for 11:00 a.m. (MST).
