WADDELL, Ariz. - The Arizona Christian University baseball team (13-8) swept Tuesday's doubleheader against Louisiana State University - Alexandria (3-5), winning game one on a walk-off grand slam from Alec Ortiz, and taking a seven-inning game two handily, 9-4.

Series Notes:

ACU and LSUA are now tied 2-2 in the all-time series.  The two teams are scheduled to play two more doubleheaders later this week on Thursday and Friday.

Game One:

Game one had multiple lead changes as both teams hit the ball well throughout the game.  LSUA looked poised to cruise to a game-one win after leading 8-6 entering the bottom of the ninth inning, but the Firestorm erased the Generals' hopes of taking it in the ninth after tying the game on an RBI single and an RBI bases-loaded hit by pitch late.  

Now tied, 8-8 with the bases loaded and no outs in the ninth, Ortiz came to the plate with the mission of getting the winning run across.  With his sights on simply putting the ball in play, he connected with the 2-2 pitch and launched the ball deep to right-center field, clearing the fence for a walk-off grand slam, giving ACU the 12-8 victory in dramatic fashion.

Justin Ramirez had three hits in four tries, including a triple and scored twice, Justen Burkey went 1-for-3 with a double and three RBI, and Randen Garrison added a hit, two RBI, and a run scored.

Eli Elliot started on the mound for ACU and went 4-1/3 innings and allowed six runs (four earned) on eight hits while walking two and striking out three.  Chase Martinez provided three innings of relief work and allowed two runs on three hits with a pair of walks and three punch outs, and Brett Wagner earned the win after throwing the final 1-1/3 innings, allowing no runs or hits while striking out three.

Game Two:

The Generals had a 2-1 lead over the Firestorm heading into the home half of the second inning, but the contest was all-ACU following a seven-run second inning in which the Firestorm had four hits while also batting around in the inning.  ACU would add one final run the following inning and would go on to earn the victory, 9-4.

ACU starter Trevor McGee earned the win and went five full, allowing four runs and four hits while walking two and striking out seven.  Michael Bovee Jr and Anthony Defrancesco combined to throw a scoreless and hitless final two innings, each striking out the side in their lone inning of work.

Ramon Miranda homered and doubled in the contest, finishing with three RBI and a pair of runs scored.  Brent Smith went 1-for-4 with a double, RBI, and a run scored, and Manny Villa and Kyler Boulware each added a hit and scored a run.

Thoughts from Coach: 

"We showed a lot of good team character today with a great come-from-behind win, and used that momentum in game two with some really good pitching all day and some timely hitting.  It was a couple of good family victories tonight."

Up Next:

Coached by Joe McDonald, the Firestorm host LSU - Alexandria for a non-conference doubleheader on Thur., Feb. 18 beginning at 4 p.m. Arizona Time at Apollo High School in Glendale, Ariz.  Spectators are not permitted.