WADDELL, Ariz. - The Arizona Christian University baseball team (11-8) fell in its first two of eight games against Louisiana State University - Alexandria (3-3) Monday evening, losing a 10-inning contest in game one, 6-5, and a seven-inning game two, 5-3.

Series Notes:

Monday night's doubleheader was the first-ever meeting between the two programs.  LSUA now holds a 2-0 all-time record against the Firestorm with the doubleheader sweep on Monday.  The two teams are scheduled to play three more doubleheaders throughout the rest of this week.

Game One:

Things looked promising for the Firestorm early after scoring three runs in the first innings, including a two-run home run from the bat of Justen Burkey.  LSUA would add one run in the third and eighth inning, but would storm ahead after scoring three runs in the ninth to put pressure on ACU's offense late.

ACU would respond well to that pressure down 5-3 in the bottom of the ninth however and would tie things up to force extras.  The Generals would control extra innings, scoring one run in the tenth inning, going on to win 6-5 after holding the Firestorm scoreless in their half of the inning.

Starting pitcher Brett Aker threw seven innings of one run baseball and allowed just four hits while walking two and striking out seven.  Five ACU relievers combined to throw the final three innings and allowed five runs on eight hits, with reliever Cade Mousel taking the loss.

Justin Ramirez went 3-for-5 at the plate with a double and RBI, Brent Smith had two doubles, scored two runs, and walked once, and Damien McElroy added two hits, including a double, with one RBI.

Game Two:

ACU's starting pitcher Andrew Hirsch gave up just two runs on four hits across six innings on the mound, but he had little offensive help for most of the game.  The Firestorm offense mustered just one hit through six innings, and despite attempting a late comeback in the ninth, LSUA would hold them off to earn the 5-3 win.

Ramon Miranda went 1-for-3 with a two-RBI double, scored a run, and walked once.  McElroy also added a hit and RBI, and Smith walked once and scored a run.

Thoughts from Coach: 

"We have to start doing a better job of playing basic fundamental defense and supporting our pitchers, who threw well today.  Tip your caps to LSUA for well-played baseball as we did not play very well today.  Tomorrow we get to see what we're made of and to see how we will bounce back for another battle on the field."

Up Next:

Coached by Joe McDonald, the Firestorm host LSU - Alexandria for a non-conference doubleheader on Tues., Feb. 16 beginning at 4 p.m. Arizona Time at Canyon View High School in Waddell, Ariz.  Spectators are not permitted.