GLENDALE, Ariz. – Senior Josh Landry fired a three-hit shutout for his ninth win in a 2-0 victory, helping the Hope International baseball team earn a split of the GSAC doubleheader against Arizona Christian on Friday.

The Firestorm won game one 7-1.

Game 1 – Arizona Christian 7, Hope International 1
HIU took a 1-0 lead in the first on Colby Moran's RBI groundout.

But the Firestorm scored three in the bottom half, helped by two RBI hits in the inning.

Franky Lopez delivered a solid outing from there for the Royals as he retired the side in four of the next six innings. He struck out the side in the seventh and finished with eight strikeouts. 

ACU's Tyson Kilbreath did not allow a hit in his 6.0 innings of work, although he did walk six. HIU could not muster any additional offense, and three Firestorm relievers held the Royals scoreless over the final three innings. 

The Firestorm put the game out of reach with a four-run eighth inning. The first five Firestorm reached base on four singles and a walk. Gavin Murphy drew a bases loaded hit by pitch to score a run.

Game 2 – Hope International 2, Arizona Christian 0
Landry retired the first 15 ACU batters, striking out the side in the first and fourth innings. He finished with 11 strikeouts, notching his fifth double-digit effort of the season. It was also his fourth start in which he did not allow a walk.

HIU got a first inning run to cross the plate on an attempted double steal in which David Shackelford scored as Isaiah Lane got picked off first.

The Royals tacked on a run in the fourth on Eddie Cotto's RBI single to score Hunter Essang. Essang had singled and got into scoring position on an error by the ACU first baseman.

Landry's no-hit bid was spoiled by a Kaden Clute leadoff single in the sixth. Colton Horner followed with a single to put two runners aboard, but Landry got the next three outs to keep his shutout going.

In the seventh, Noah Manasan doubled off Landry to lead off the frame. But the southpaw buckled down, and the Firestorm flew out twice with Kolten Lindstrom also the 11th strikeout victim of the evening.

Landry, the HIU all-time wins leader, collected his 25th.

Casey Farrell pitched well for the Firestorm, going all 7.0 innings with four hits and two runs (one earned) allowed. He fanned six and walked two.

HIU plays another doubleheader on Saturday with first pitch at 4:00 p.m.