Glendale, AZ – The Arizona Christian University baseball team (31-24) wrapped up regular season play with a 15-7 victory over Benedictine Mesa (29-23) on Senior night at Glendale High School on Wednesday evening in Glendale, AZ with seniors being honored for the game.
Series Notes:
With the win the Firestorm improve their record against the Redhawks to 6-12.
The Game:
Brett Wagner got the start and was perfect through 2 2/3 innings as he didn't allow a base runner while striking out three. Roy Washburn (3-1) picked up the win in relief pitching 1 inning while allowing one run on one hit with no strikeouts and no walks. Rhett Holmes went 3-for-5 with 4 RBIs including a home run to lead the Firestorm's offense.
The Firestorm opened the scoring in the bottom of the first as they picked up a run on a double play to make it 1-0. Two innings later they would add to their lead as Daniel Durazo blasted a two run home run down the right field line to make it 3-0. The Redhawks though came storming back in the top of the fourth as they scored five runs to take a 5-3 lead.
The Firestorm would fight back in the bottom of the fourth as Holmes delivered an RBI single to right to make it 5-4. Damien McElroy then followed with a sacrifice fly to tie the game 5-5. The Redhawks though would retake the lead in the top of the fifth as they scored two runs to make it 7-5. That lead wouldn't last long as the Firestorm fought back. After loading the bases with one out Robby Campillo drove in a run on a sac fly to make 7-6. Holmes would then step to the plate and continue his hot streak as he crushed his second home run in as many games to put the Firestorm on top 9-7.
The Firestorm continued to put up runs as Durazo delivered a sac fly to put the Firestorm up 10-7 in the bottom of the sixth. They weren't done though as the put up another big number in the seventh. First McElroy an RBI single to left to push the Firestorm advantage to 11-7. The Firestorm then took advantage of several Redhawks mistakes as they tacked on three more runs on a passed ball, error and wild pitch to take a commanding 14-7 lead. Meanwhile on the other side Sergio Heguertty and Eli Elliott came in in relief to shutdown any chance of a Redhawks comeback as they combined to allow just two hits over the final 3 1/3 innings. The Firestorm would also tack on another run in the bottom of the eighth on an RBI groundout by Sean Garcia as they prevailed 15-7.
Inside the Box Score:
Holmes: 3-for-5, 4 RBIs, HR
Durazo: 3-for-4, 3 RBIs, HR
McElroy: 1-for-4, 2 RBIs
Campillo: 2-for-3, RBI
Garcia: 2-for-4, RBI
Thoughts From Coach:
After the game Head Coach Joe McDonald stated, "This was a very special night honoring our 13 seniors and I'm very proud of how the team went out and got a big win heading into the playoffs as we've got a lot of momentum built up right now. I am super proud and honored to have had the opportunity to coach the seniors and very blessed and pleased with everything they've done for us."
Up Next:
The Firestorm will hit the road as they head to Irvine, CA for the GSAC Tournament where they kick off play on Monday, May 2 at 6:00 PM Arizona time against No. 3 seeded Vanguard at the OC Great Park.
