Sagan Osborne – Dickinson State Sports and Marketing Information Director
Phoenix, Ariz. – Arizona Christian shut down Dickinson State's offense Tuesday night, handing the Blue Hawks a 9-0 loss at Greenway High School in Glendale, Ariz.
Dickinson State (4-13) managed just two hits in the game, struggling to generate any offensive momentum. Arizona Christian (17-8-1) capitalized on early control issues by the Blue Hawks' pitching staff and built a commanding lead in the first four innings.
Arizona Christian struck first in the opening frame. After a hit-by-pitch and a walk, Arizona Christian executed a double steal, with Ivy scoring on the throw. A wild pitch brought in another run, putting the Firestorm up 2-0.
The second inning proved costly for Dickinson State. With two runners on, Ivy delivered a three-run home run to right field, extending the lead to 5-0. The Firestorm added another run in the third on a wild pitch before breaking the game open with a three-run fourth inning. Kiaunis was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded, plating a run. Garcia followed with a two-run single to center, making it 9-0.
Dickinson State's offense was unable to respond. Kadin Finders recorded the Blue Hawks' first hit in the first inning but was stranded at third. The team's only other hit came in the seventh, when Tyson Threadgill singled to center.
Trapper Oster (0-1) took the loss for Dickinson State, allowing nine runs on three hits over 3.2 innings while walking eight. The bullpen provided some relief, with Anthony Hanson, Dylan Hayden, and Rogelio Gonzalez combining for 4.1 scoreless innings, allowing just two hits while striking out six.
Arizona Christian's pitching staff dominated throughout. Starter Vickers (2-0) earned the win, throwing four shutout innings while allowing one hit and striking out four. The Firestorm bullpen combined to retire 15 of the final 16 Dickinson State batters, striking out eight.