(Photo: Brady Klain/WCSN)
The Sun Devils welcomed the Oregon Ducks into town on Friday night for a three-game series in Phoenix to open up conference play and despite a silent Arizona State offense from innings two through seven, a late inning surge prevailed the Devils to a 7-4 win.
ASU jumped out to an early 2-0 lead in the bottom of the first on an RBI double from Spencer Torkelson followed up by a Carter Aldrete single that would plate Torkelson.
However, the Ducks countered with four runs of their own with three in the third inning and one in the fourth. Their offensive attack was highlighted by a two-run double from Oregon first baseman Gabe Matthews.
In the eighth, Gage Canning changed the game. After Drew Swift drew a bases loaded walk to bring the score within one, Canning roped a three-run triple into the left-center field gap to regain the lead for ASU at 6-4. Lyle Lin added on to the lead with an infield single to plate Canning.
Sam Romero got the nod for the Maroon and Gold on Friday evening, making his third start of the season. He recorded his second quality start of the season, throwing 6.1 innings while allowing four runs (three earned). He would be relieved by Dellan Raish and Chaz Montoya for the final 2.2 frames.
Right-handed flamethrower Matt Mercer was lights out for the Ducks, showing off his 96-mph fastball for six innings of work. He went on to retire 12 straight Arizona State hitters dating back to the bottom of the third inning.
Parker Kelly and Kenyon Yovan came in to throw the final two innings for the Ducks, with Yovan taking the loss as he was the victim of the ASU rally.
Player of the Game: Gage Canning. The junior went 3-for-4 in the game to complement the game-winning triple, making it the 11th time in 18 games this season that he has racked up a multi-hit game. He has 35 hits to this point in 2018, which is currently the highest total in the country.
Unsung Hero: Trevor Hauver and Drew Swift. The freshman drew back-to-back walks in the eighth leading up to Canning’s triple. The walks came with two outs, yet both young players didn’t press in what may have been their most crucial at-bats in their young collegiate careers, staying disciplined and working the count.
You knew it was over when: Lyle Lin beat out an infield single to extend the ASU lead to three runs. Stretching the lead after the knock by Canning was crucial for the Devils to give Montoya a sufficient cushion to pitch with in the ninth.
Biggest Concern: This was a much-needed win for Tracy Smith’s team, but the looming question remains if the team can sustain the success. The Sun Devils won just one conference series last season (at home against Washington State) and have yet to win three in a row in 2018.
Stat of the Day: ASU has had severe trouble starting off Pac-12 play on a hot note in recent years. Tonight’s win marked the first time since 2014 that they won the conference opener, losing the previous three to Oregon State.
What’s Next?: The Sun Devils will be back in action Saturday evening for game two against Oregon with the southpaw Eli Lingos expected to get the start. First pitch is scheduled for 6:30 p.m.
