GLENDALE, Ariz. – After a conference-opening loss on Friday, the Warriors were back on the diamond Saturday as their series with Arizona Christian wrapped up with a doubleheader. The first game did not go in the Warriors' favor, as it would take 11 innings in the finale before Jessup snagged their first GSAC win of the season.
Jessup is now 11-3 on the season as they see their GSAC season start with a 1-2 record.
ACU stormed out to a big lead in the opener of Saturday's doubleheader, as through three, it was the Firestorm holding a commanding 9-1 lead. But back came the Warriors, who scored ten unanswered to take an 11-9 lead in the sixth.
The comeback saw a solo home run from
Chris Lopez, as well as RBI from
Cole Hazel,
Landon Weiss, and
Kayde Iranon.
Trevor Arnston got the start and went just 1.2 innings before head coach
Trevor Paine looked to
Evan Williams out of the bullpen. Williams then threw 4.1 innings in relief before turning the ball over to freshman
Xavier Maldonado.
Ryan Stone gets tagged with the loss as ACU put up seven in the seventh, negating the Warriors' comeback. Instead, it was the Firestorm winning the series with a 17-12 win.
On to the finale, and for those who tuned in, it was a late night on the diamond as the game ended past 11 p.m. in Arizona. The contest, scheduled for 11 innings, ultimately saw the game reach the 11th before the Warriors were finally able to strike a big blow.
Jessup again played comeback in this one, as they clawed back from a 3-0 hole to settle the score at 4-4 in the seventh thanks to a Lopez RBI double and an Iranon sacrifice fly.
After three scoreless extra frames, Jessup finally got the big hit of the night as
Jack Grant drove in two with his single up the middle. Lopez then added to his day with an RBI single to right field, plating
Drew Andrews.
Lopez went 4-for-9 with four RBI on the day.
Hailama Swartman got the win as he piled up the innings in relief.
Nolan Thebiay started the contest and lasted 3.2 frames.
The Warriors now head back to McBean Park as the GSAC season resumes next week with Menlo College coming to town.
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Jessup University is a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), and the Golden State Athletic Conference (GSAC). For additional information regarding Jessup Athletics, visit www.jessupathletics.com; visit www.jessup.edu for more information on Jessup University. Follow Jessup Athletics on social media: Jessup University Athletics (Facebook) and @JessupAthletics (Twitter & Instagram).
