Warriors put out Firestorm

The Nelson Warriors' baseball team (13-20) picked up a solid road victory over the Arizona Christian Firestorm, winning 5-4, and stretching their win-streak to three.

Trailing 2-0 heading into the bottom of the fourth inning, the Warriors took control when Ethan Gustafson led off the frame with a solo home run to center field — his team-leading 12th homer and 52nd RBI. Two outs later, with runners on second and third, Josue Franco Jr. delivered a clutch double up the middle that scored both runners, capping a three-run inning and giving Nelson a 3-2 lead they would never relinquish.

The Warriors added insurance runs in each of the seventh and eighth innings when Brandon Ramirez drove in Gustafson with a sacrifice fly, and Aaron Bazan blasted his fifth home run of the season to extend the advantage to 5-2.

Arizona Christian mounted a mini-rally in the bottom of the ninth, scoring two runs to make it 5-4, but the Warriors held on for the victory.

Franco Jr. finished 2-for-4 with 2 RBI, while Gustafson reached base four times (including three walks), scoring twice. Nelson's pitching staff turned in a strong collective effort against a tough Firestorm lineup, allowing just 7 hits and 4 runs total. Matthew Schulz was especially sharp out of the bullpen, striking out a season-high 5 batters.

See the Nelson Warriors' baseball page for their upcoming schedule.

Do not forget to follow Nelson Athletics on X at @NelsonWarriors and Instagram at @nelsonwarriors.athletics.

Have a Blessed Easter!