(Photo: Nicholas Badders/WCSN)
The Sun Devils won the first game of Sunday’s double header 11-1 in the seventh inning through the 10-run rule.
The Sun Devils got out to an early lead in the first inning with two RBI singles coming from sophomore catcher Lyle Lin and freshman left fielder Trevor Hauver.
ASU freshman starting pitcher Boyd Vander Kooi had an impressive debut as he was the only Sun Devil to take the mound and didn’t allow an earned run.
Miami (Ohio) began the third inning with a golden opportunity to put some runs on the board as the first batter for the RedHawks, shortstop Carlos Texidor, doubled to to right and was able to advance to third base on a throwing error by ASU right fielder, junior Gage Canning.
RedHawks’ center fielder Dallas Hall, was able to take advantage of the early runner, knocking in Texidor with a sac-fly. Sophomore center fielder Hunter Bishop made a great diving catch, but the Redhawks got on the board nonetheless.
ASU’s freshmen first baseman, Spencer Torkelson, gave ASU a two run lead right back however as he homered in the bottom of the 3rd to give the Sun Devils a 3-1 lead.
The fourth inning was a shaky one for Miami (Ohio) as their starting pitcher Bailey Martin walked three batters and was replaced by relief pitcher Michael Hendricks after recording just one out. The Redhawks’ defense committed its second error of the game allowing freshman shortstop Drew Swift to score from second.
The Sun Devils stretched out their lead in the sixth inning and seventh innings scoring seven runs in total in that span.
Although the Sun Devils’ offense was prominent, the RedHawks poor defense helped them a lot in the game as they tallied four errors.
Player of the game: Boyd Vander Kooi pitched seven impressive innings allowing only one run and zero earned runs.
Unsung Hero: Lyle Lin. Not only did he start the scoring for the Sun Devils with an RBI single in the first inning. But he also ended what looked to be a potential big 3rd inning for the RedHawks by throwing out their first baseman Ross Haffey attempting to steal second to end the inning.
You knew it was over when: Boyd Vander Kooi seemed to already be settled, locked and loaded by the fifth inning as that and the sixth inning were two quick inning seeing no one on base for the RedHawks.
Biggest Concern: Freshmen second baseman Alika Williams has struggled for the Sun Devils and was taken out in the fifth inning. We will see if this will a permanent change for ASU.
Stat of the Day: The RedHawks had 4 errors in this game which gave the Sun Devils extra opportunities at the dish that they took advantage of.
What’s next: The Sun Devils will play their last game against Miami (Ohio) and game two of Sunday’s double header approximately 45 minutes after game one’s conclusion.
