GILBERT, Ariz. The Park University Baseball Team (4-3) utilized a six-run first and strong relief pitching from Frank Racioppo and Jose Zubia to keep La Sierra University (0-5) in check to hold on for a 9-6 victory in game one of a double header at the Tempe Diablo Baseball Complex in Tempe, Ariz.  Game two was suspended at sundown due to La Sierra's religious beliefs and will be completed prior to the third game in the series tomorrow at 7 p.m.

Bucs starter Luke Richards gave up five runs in his two innings of work allowing six hits and two walks.  After giving up a solo run in the first, the Buccaneers answered with a six-run explosion in the bottom half of the first frame. The first batters walked followed by a Hugo Acosta bunt single to load the bases.  Then Alex Moreno was hit by a pitch to score the first run, Cooper Williams walked to score another and then third baseman Dylan Lindsey doubled to right center to score two more. Bryce Beck and Shantell Jordan both hit sacrifice flies to score Williams and Lindsey (who had moved to third on a steal).   

The Golden Eagles responded with four in the top of the second to cut the lead to one.  But that is as close as it would get as the Bucs added two in the bottom of the second on a Acosta double to score Cade Maestas who had singled to lead off the inning. And on a Lindsey fielders' choice to score Acosta.

Racioppo came on in the third and threw three scoreless innings allowing only one hit before giving up a run in the sixth on a walk, a wild pitch, passed ball and sacrifice fly.  His final totals were 3 2/3 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 BB and 4 K's.  That was good enough to get him the win to take his record to 1-1.

"Racioppo did a great job of keeping them on the number," said Buccaneers head coach Kelly Stinnett. "That gave us some comfort as we added on some insurance runs."

Zubia came on in relief in the sixth, finishing things off to get the four-out save, his second save on the year.

Acosta continues his scorching start to the season, recording two more hits. Catcher Austin Chouinard went 3-3 with a double out of the nine hole to help keep turning the lineup over.

Game two is currently in the sixth inning with the Buccaneers holding a 7-4 advantage in the top of the sixth.  The Golden Eagles have a rally going with runners on and a couple of runs in when play was suspended. 

Both teams will resume play tomorrow at 7 p.m. with the conclusion of game two followed by the start of game three.