PHOENIX, Ariz. – College of Idaho could not cash in on multiple opportunities with men in scoring position, stranding 13 runners in the contest, as Arizona Christian earned a 7-3 victory at Apollo High School.
The Yotes (1-1) loaded the bases in the first, fourth and eighth innings – but could not get the game-changing knock.
After spotting ACU (1-1) a 2-0 lead, C of I cut the lead in half in the fourth, as
Tanner Leaf led off with a single and scored on a
Ben Hansen RBI groundout. However, the Firestorm tacked on two unearned runs in the fourth and a single run in the fifth.
C of I made it interesting in the eighth, as Leaf and
Ben Dudley were hit by pitches and
Carter Vieira walked. An out later,
Caden Leiblein ripped a 2-run, pinch-hit single to cut the deficit to 6-3. A
Ryan Nolan walk loaded the bases – but ACU closer Anthony DeFrancesco fanned back-to-back batters to end the threat.
Brett Aker got the win for ACU, allowing just four hits and a run in six innings of work, with Justin Birkey leading the Firestorm with three doubles.
Five different C of I hitters had hits, with Nolan recording a double. Starter
Hunter Kirkpatrick took the loss, allowing one earned run on four hits with one strikeout.
C of I continues their trip tomorrow, meeting San Diego Christian at 2 p.m.
