Box Score WADDELL, Ariz. - The Arizona Christian University baseball team (7-4) fell to No. 24 Lewis-Clark State College (4-1) Monday evening, 11-4 at Canyon View High School.
Series Notes:
With the loss, the all-time series between ACU and LCSC is tied at 1-1. The loss also snaps a three-game winning streak for the Firestorm.
ACU's New Hit King:
Senior outfielder Brent Smith made history in today's game when he singled up the middle in the first inning. The hit was his 22nd of the season and No. 150 of his career, surpassing Phil Creecy (2011, 13-14) for the most career hits in program history.
Smith, who already held ACU career records in batting average (.396), runs scored (113), on-base percentage (475), and stolen bases (34) entering the season now adds his name atop another category in the ACU baseball history book, with much of the season still lying ahead.
Head Coach Joe McDonald praised Smith after the game, saying, "Brent is one of the best all-around pure hitters I have coached in my 27 years. He continues to show up every game, putting together quality at-bats and finding his way on base. I am very proud of him, this accomplishment, and the way he leads on and off the field."
The Game:
ACU scored in small spurts Monday evening, plating one run in the first, fifth, seventh, and eighth innings. The LCSC offense was quiet early, but exploded for four runs in the fourth and in the seventh, adding two more runs in the eighth and one final run in the ninth to earn the 11-4 victory.
None of the four runs he allowed were earned, but nonetheless, ACU starter Andrew Hirsch took the loss after tossing five innings, allowing three hits while walking two and striking out six. Five members of the Firestorm bullpen combined to toss the final four innings and allowed seven runs on 10 hits, walking none and striking out three.
Inside the Box Score:
Thoughts from Coach:
"Tonight we gave too many extra chances to a very good ball club. Any time you don't make the routine plays and give extra opportunities, it's tough to beat a quality team. We will be ready to go tomorrow and will get after it."
Up Next:
The Firestorm host Bethesda University of California for a doubleheader on Tues., Feb. 9 beginning at 4 p.m. Arizona Time at Canyon View High School in Waddell, Ariz. Spectators are not permitted.
