Photo: Nicholas Badders/WCSN
Arizona State hosted the Miami (Ohio) RedHawks for a belated Opening Day doubleheader on Saturday. They lost game one, 4-2, but bounced back in game two with a final score of 7-3.
Eli Lingos took the mound for the Sun Devils Saturday evening. He was able to remain steady throughout his start, even though he often had runners on the bases.
The Sun Devils opened up scoring in the bottom of the second with a solo home run by Spencer Torkelson, giving ASU a lead of 1-0.
They wouldn’t keep that lead for long though. The RedHawks answered quickly with a three-run top of the third. Carlos Texidor hit a single and came home on a single by Dallas Hall. Ross Haffey then hit a two-run home run making the score 3-1 RedHawks.
The Sun Devils came back in the bottom of the fourth. Lyle Lin hit a solo home run, followed up by Torkelson’s second solo homer of the night to tie the game 3-3.
Zach Spears got the second start of the day for Miami, tossing five innings, allowing three runs on eight hits, one walk and six strikeouts. Shane Smith relieved him after Carter Aldrete doubled off Spears in the 6th inning.
In the bottom of the 6th, Aldrete stole third on an error by the pitcher. Scott Mehan was walked by Smith. He and Aldrete scored on a throwing error by third baseman Landon Stephens. McCuin reached third on that same throwing error and scored on a bunt by Drew Swift bringing the score up to 6-3. Smith left the game with an injury.
Lingos was relieved by Sam Romero in the 7th. Lingos allowed three runs on five hits, walked two, hit one batter and struck out six in six innings of work.
Aldrete hit a triple off of RedHawks reliever Spencer Mraz and scored on a single by Lin, pushing the score to 7-3 in favor of ASU.
Romero stayed in to close the game out. He finished his Sun Devil debut with three innings, two hits, two walks and three strikeouts, picking up the save.
Player of the Game: Spencer Torkelson went 3-4 with two solo homers. The freshman designated hitter got the Sun Devils on board with his first homer, and pulled them even with his second blast of the night.
Unsung Hero: Carter Aldrete went 3-4, scoring two runs and finishing a home run shy of the cycle.
You Knew It Was Over When: Sam Romero struck out Mackay Williams, stranding Grant Hartwig on second in the 8th.
Biggest Concern: The Sun Devils struggled when it came to running the bases. Scott Mehan was thrown trying to return to first base. Both Aldrete and Alika Williams were caught trying to steal second.
Stat of the Day: Getting caught stealing cost the Sun Devils a couple of runs. Both Aldrete and Williams were caught stealing and likely both would have scored had they been able to stay on base.
What’s Next?: ASU will take on Miami again with another double header on Sunday. Game 1 starts at 10 AM with the second game starting 45 minutes after game one concludes.
