SURPRISE, AZ – Madonna Baseball delivered a complete performance on both sides of the ball Monday evening, defeating Ottawa University Arizona 6–0 at Surprise Stadium.

The Crusaders struck quickly in the top of the first inning when Ty Stepek launched a solo home run to left field to give Madonna an early lead.

Madonna added to the advantage in the second inning with a big offensive burst. After Luke Spicer and Brett Reed reached base, Stepek put the ball in play and an Ottawa defensive error allowed the inning to continue. Kooper Etheridge then delivered the biggest swing of the night, blasting a three-run home run to left center to cap a four-run frame and push the Crusaders ahead 5–0.

While the offense provided early run support, the Madonna pitching staff dominated throughout the contest. Starting pitcher Jason Jurczyk Jr. controlled the game through 5.2 innings, allowing just one hit while striking out eight batters.

Jacob Kowalski took over in relief and continued the strong performance on the mound. The right-hander tossed 3.1 scoreless innings, striking out four while allowing only one hit to secure the save.

Madonna added an insurance run in the eighth inning when Aamir Mitchell doubled and later came home on a groundout by Donovan Thompson to extend the lead to 6–0.

Offensively, the Crusaders recorded six hits in the game. Etheridge led the way with four RBIs, while Stepek added a home run and two runs scored. Mitchell and Spicer each collected two hits as Madonna consistently applied pressure on the basepaths.

The Madonna pitching staff combined for 12 strikeouts and limited Ottawa to just two hits, sealing a strong road victory in Arizona.

The Crusaders will look to continue their winning when they play Benedictine University Mesa at 12: 00 PM MST / 2:00 PM EST at Gene Autry Park in Mesa, AZ. Following that game the Crusaders will travel to Glendale, AZ where they will matchup with Arizona Christian University for a late-night game starting at 7:00 PM MST / 9:00 PM EST.