Phoenix, AZ- Pitchers can be very persuasive.  Friday afternoon was no different as Junior Dean Jackson talked his way back out to the mound for the eighth and ninth innings.  The discussion paid off as Jackson finished off his complete game effort by retiring the last eight batters in order for the 5-2 win over William Jessup.

The game started with a single by Kyle Robinson for the Warriors (0-10, 0-4 GSAC) before Junior Tyler Mills threw out Robinson trying to steal second.

In the second, Jackson allowed a lead-off single but then induced a double play.  However, the next batter walked before Nainoa Hart tripled to right center and came home on a throwing error to give WJU a 2-0 edge.

The Firestorm (2-6, 2-2 GSAC) countered with a run in the second thanks to an error and two singles with Senior Jake Wakamatsu driving home Senior Tatum Hendrix.  ACU tied the score in the third on a single from Senior Tate Erickson and double by Junior Jake Howard.

Despite both teams putting runners on every half inning except one through the bottom of the seventh, the only run to score was an error, stolen base, and RBI single by Erickson combo for a 3-2 ACU lead.

In the dugout before the top of the eighth, Jackson and Head Coach Bill Swift had their conversation about Jackson continuing and Coach Swift agreed with a short lease.

Jackson responded by striking out two and only allowing one ball out of the infield as part of the final six outs.  The complete game eight strikeout win improved Jackson to 1-1 record on the year.

Coach Swift commented, "Jackson stuck his neck out and finished out the game.  I told him if he allowed any base runners I would pull him.  Great effort."

Arizona Christian used a walk and three singles including RBI one baggers by Senior AJ Arroyo and pinch hitter Sophomore Kyle Robbins to plate their final two runs.

On Saturday, the same two teams will hit Firestorm Field for a double header starting at 11:00 am (AT)/ 10:00 am (PT).