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Arizona Christian University

OFFICIAL ATHLETIC SITE OF ARIZONA CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY
Manasan scores run to help Firestorm get a run on the board
Khaxil Stewart
1
Evangel (MO) EU 0-1
4
Winner Arizona Christian ACU 1-0
Evangel (MO) EU
0-1
1
Final
4
Arizona Christian ACU
1-0
Winner
Score By Periods
Team 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E
Evangel (MO) EU 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1
Arizona Christian ACU 3 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 X 4 3 0

W: Wierman, Frank (1-0) L: I. Daley (0-1) S: Gordon II, David (1)

Game Recap: Baseball | | Natalie Lopez

Three-Run Start Helps ACU Win on New Field in Season Opener

Glendale, Ariz. – Arizona Christian opened the 2026 season with a 4–1 victory over Evangel (Mo.) to start off the Coach Calderone Invitational tournament on their brand new field on campus, using early offense and a dominant pitching performance to secure the win. 


Game Info
  • Score: Arizona Christian - 4, Evangel - 1
  • Records: Arizona Christian - 1-0, Evangel - 0-1
  • Location: ACU Baseball Field, Glendale, AZ

ACU Stats
Inside The Game
  • The Firestorm jumped out to a quick lead in the bottom of the first inning, scoring three runs without the benefit of a hit. 
  • Luke Zuromski and Kolten Lindstrom each delivered sacrifice flies to bring home runs, while Marcellus Cueva drew a bases-loaded walk to close out the inning and give the Firestorm the lead.
  • ACU led 3-0 at the end of the first inning
  • Evangel answered with its lone run in the second inning on a bases-loaded walk, trimming the deficit to two. 
  • The score was 3-1 at the top of the second inning. 
  • The Firestorm responded immediately in the bottom half of the second inning, as Gavin Murphy lifted a sacrifice fly to center field to score Noah Manasan and restore a three-run cushion.
  • ACU led 4-1 at the end of the second inning. 
  • From there, ACU's pitching staff took over. 
  • Starting pitcher Frank Wierman earned the win in his season debut, allowing just one run on no hits over five innings while striking out six. The right-hander worked through six walks but consistently limited Evangel's scoring opportunities.
  • The Firestorm bullpen was lights out the rest of the way.
  • Jack Brooker, Ty Howry, and Mason Whiteley combined for three scoreless innings before David Gordon II closed the door in the ninth, striking out four to earn his first save of the season.
  • Arizona Christian finished with three hits and capitalized on Evangel miscues, while the pitching staff limited the Valor to just one hit on the night. 
  • ACU won the game, 4-1. 

Thoughts from Coach McDonald
"Very grateful for what God has provided us in order to play the first ever game on the new field. It was a great win and such a fun environment. Always emotional honoring my good friend Coach Calderone!"


Up Next
On Friday, ACU will host Corban University for the third game of the Coach Calderone Invitational tournament on the ACU Baseball Field at 7pm.



 
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