Waddell, AZ – The Arizona Christian University baseball team (19-12) snapped a five game losing streak as they took down Embry-Riddle (AZ) (11-14) 9-5 at Canyon View High School on Tuesday evening in Waddell, AZ.

Series Notes:

With the win the Firestorm improve their record against the Eagles to 1-1.

The Game:

Tanner Durazo got the start and pitched 3 innings while allowing four runs on five hits while striking out two and walking two. Eli Elliot (3-0) picked up the win in relief pitching 2 2/3 shutout innings while allowing just one hit and striking out five. Troy Collins led the offense going 1-for-2 with two RBIs.

The Firestorm got the scoring started early in the bottom of the first as Manny Villa ripped a base hit down the left field line with two on and two outs to score a run, but the second runner was thrown out at home as the Firestorm took a 1-0 lead. The Firestorm would add two more runs in the second inning on a bases loaded balk and an RBI groundout by Justin Ramirez to increase their lead to 3-0. The Eagles would strike back though with four runs in the top of the third as they took a 4-3 lead.

That lead would last until the bottom of the fifth inning as the Firestorm tied the game at 4-4 on an error. The Eagles would then retake the lead in the top of the seventh on an RBI single to make it 5-4. That lead wouldn't last long though as the Firestorm struck back in the bottom of the seventh inning. After a leadoff double by Villa and a sac bunt Troy Collins stepped up to the plate and blasted a two run home run to center field to put the Firestorm on top 6-5. After Elliot shutdown the Eagles in the top of the eighth the Firestorm would add some insurance runs in the bottom half. With two outs Damien McElroy stole second and Marques Titialli scored as the catcher threw the ball away to extend the Firestorm lead to 7-5. After Collins walked to continue the inning Brandon Lees ripped a double into centerfield to put the Firestorm up 9-5. Elliot would then pitch a scoreless ninth as the Firestorm won and snapped a five game losing streak.

Inside the Box Score:

Collins: 1-for-2, 2 RBIs, HR

Lees: 1-for-4, 2 RBI

Villa: 3-for-4, RBI

Ramirez: 0-for-2, RBI

Thoughts From Coach:

After the game Coach Joe McDonald stated, "I felt like we did a really good job playing nine complete innings tonight and had some guys step up in some tough situations. All in all it was a pretty clean game and it feels good to be back in the win column so we will be geared up and ready to go for this weekend."

Up Next:

The Firestorm resume GSAC play at home as they take on No. 9 Vanguard in a four game series beginning with a doubleheader on Friday, March 18 at 11:00 AM at Apollo High School in Glendale, AZ.