(Photo: Nicholas Badders/WCSN)
The Arizona Statte Sun Devils attempted to win their second straight series Sunday afternoon against UNC-Wilmington but fell just short, losing the last game 3-1 in a close game that featured struggling bats for both sides.
ASU started the scoring in the second inning when freshman Drew Swift hit a single to left field to drive in freshman Trevor Hauver from second.
The Seahawks responded quickly as their designated hitter, David Sheaffer, hit a sacrifice fly to center field to score junior catcher Ryan Jeffers from third.
After three quiet innings, Jeffers scored once more after hitting a solo home run to give the Seahawks a 2-1 lead in the fifth inning. UNCW grew that lead to 3-1 in the sixth inning through an RBI single off the bat senior outfielder Zack Canada.
The game showcased impressive pitching from both sides including freshmen from both teams who started the game. Sun Devil righty Boyd Vander Kooi went 5.2 innings, striking out seven batters and allowing two earned runs. In his second start of the season for the Seahawks, Landen Roupp went 4.2 innings, striking out 3 batters and allowing only one earned run.
Both teams were able to get hits, but both hit under .130 with runners in scoring position.
Player of the game: Ryan Jeffers. He went 3-4 with a solo home run and scored the Seahawks’ first 2 runs.
Unsung Hero: Landen Roupp. In his second start of his career, he proved to his team that he can be a dependable consistent starter for the Seahawks, only allowing one run.
You knew it was over when: ASU didn’t score in the seventh inning after starting the inning with two singles.
Biggest Concern: Sun Devils were 1-11 with runners in scoring position, a problem that has plagued them in several losses this season.
Stat of the Day: Sun Devils Freshman ace Boyd Vander Kooi averaged 16 pitches per inning this game, his highest rate so far this year.
What’s next: The Sun Devils host the University of Arizona in a non-conference game Tuesday before beginning Pac-12 play against Oregon on Friday.
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