Phoenix, AZ- Trailing one headed into the bottom of the seventh, Arizona Christian exploded for eight runs as they won 9-4 over NCAA DII Colorado Christian on Monday afternoon.  Seniors Harris Lyons and Jake Howard launched back-to-back home runs as part of the outburst.

The game started as a pitcher's duel with Freshman Tyler Domene facing the minimum through four innings allowing just a single that was erased on a double play.  After allowing a leadoff double to Junior Dom Rodriguez and an RBI single by Senior Hector Ortiz for a quick 1-0 lead, Colorado Christian's Joey Loranger settled in and gave up just one more hit through five.

Both teams went to the pen in the sixth.  The Cougars (1-4) cashed in two runs on the benefit of just one hit to move in front 2-1.

ACU left runners on the corners in the sixth before exploding in the seventh.  Howard, Senior Chance Randall, and Junior Jonathan Nunnally, Jr. began the inning with three straight singles.  Senior Jacob Rodriguez walked followed by D. Rodriguez getting hit by a pitch and Junior Michael Dunnebecke walking in a run to give the Firestorm (8-4) a 4-2 cushion.  Two batters later, Harris climbed in with the bases loaded and sent a deep drive over the left field fence.  On the very next pitch, Howard launched a shot out of Firestorm Field by way of left center.  When Howard crossed the plate, Arizona Christian held a 9-2 edge.

Colorado Christian struck for two more runs in the eighth but would not get any closer.

Senior Colton Wheeler pitched a scoreless 1.1 innings after Domene.  Senior Austin Bright earned the win after he induced the final two outs in the seventh.  Junior Anthony Pins, Senior Andrew Mirasty, and Sophomore Laurens Oele all threw two thirds of an inning combining for two runs though only one earned.

On Friday, the Firestorm will remain home and jump into GSAC play as they host San Diego Christian with a start time of 2:00 pm AT/ 1:00 pm PT.