(Photo: Nicholas Badders/WCSN)
In a messy, high-scoring affair at Phoenix Municipal Stadium on Sunday, the Arizona State Sun Devils fell to the Pacific Tigers 12-7.
Both teams got their offenses going early. Through four frames, the sides combined for 15 runs and 17 hits. Neither starter pitcher made it through two full innings.
Pacific struck first to start the game and ASU replied with two runs of their own. Pacfic rebounded with three runs in their half of the second, but ASU responded again, hanging four runs on their turn, all with two outs. While the Devils added some insurance in the third, Pacific would storm back.
In the fourth, a home run by James Free put momentum on the Tigers’ side. After that, a pair of walks, a single, a fielder’s choice and an error by Hunter Jump put Pacific in the lead. ASU threatened to get it back in the bottom of the seventh. They loaded the bases but a strikeout and groundout to first killed ASU’s momentum.
Alec Marsh started for ASU, but after walking three of four batters and committing an error in the second, he was replaced by Spencer Van Scoyoc. ASU continued to cycle through pitchers, giving some run to Brady Corrigan and Chaz Montoya before closing with Boyd Vander Kooi. As a staff, the Devils gave up 14 hits and 10 earned runs with seven walks and seven strikeouts.
Pacific began piling runs in the top of the ninth. Three singles, a wild pitch and an error led to three runs for the Tigers, who closed the game without much trouble in the bottom of the ninth. Alika Williams almost kept the game alive in the final at-bat, nearly clearing the wall, but ASU was sent home frustrated with their 28th loss of the season.
Player of the Game: Freshman left-hander Shelby Lackey ended up bringing some order to the Pacific defense after entering in the third. While he gave up six hits, he pitched six innings and struck out eight, giving up only one run and earning the win.
Unsung Hero: Pacific first baseman Nate Verlin went 2-5 on the day but had seven putouts, playing a role in some crucial plays. He helped pick off Canning in the sixth to end the inning and he fielded the ball in the seventh that shut ASU down.
Stat of the Day: It took until the top of the seventh inning for a 1-2-3 frame to happen. In the fourth and fifth, ASU’s only baserunners were from hit by pitches. Pacific notched a single in the sixth but ASU faced the minimum due to a double play.
You Knew It Was Over When: For a while, the game was hard to predict. Five total lead changes occurred before the Tigers finally took it in the top of the fourth. However, the seventh inning felt like the end for the Devils, who loaded the bases with one out and failed to score. ASU would not seriously threaten a comeback again.
Biggest Concern: ASU continued to have difficulties when in the field. Three errors on routine plays led to three Pacific runs. A bunt that was rolling foul was also picked up by Carter Aldrete, setting up a bases loaded situation. The Devils also did not get much consistency from their pitching staff.
What’s Next?: ASU returns for a rematch against Pacific Monday at 6:30 pm.
