(Photo: Dominic Cotroneo/WCSN)
In game one of the doubleheader, the Arizona State Sun Devils edged the Xavier Musketeers 2-1, to put them at 2-0 on the young season. Scoring was uncommon for much of the game, yet ASU remained in control for the majority of the contest. Seth Martinez set the tone, and RBI hits from shortstop Colby Woodmansee and first baseman David Greer provided insurance for him as ASU was able to ensure a series split at the bare minimum.
Player of the game: With the rest of the rotation in question, ASU needed a big outing from Martinez, and that is exactly what they got. The junior right-hander was able to change speeds well and the Musketeers hitters could never find a rhythm. He went seven innings, showing no signs of tiring before the seventh, and gave up just four hits and one walk. He also struck out six and most impressively allowed just one unearned run.
Unsung hero: David Greer. Often overshadowed in the lineup by the likes of Woodmansee and Brian Serven, Greer has gotten off to a red-hot start to the season. He followed up his 2-for-2 day yesterday with a 2-for-3 day today, lowering his batting average to a sky-high .800 Clip. Greer scored the first run of the game before breaking a 1-1 tie with an RBI double to give the Sun Devils the lead for good. He also drew a walk, giving him three walks and four hits in eight plate appearances this season.
You knew it was over when: Greer found the gap in right-center in the fifth inning for an RBI double. Although the game was far from over, it scored the go-ahead run for the Sun Devils and they didn’t look back. Martinez escaped a minor jam in the seventh, but that was the closest the Sun Devils came to giving up the lead.
Biggest concern for ASU: Much like on Opening Night, the baserunning was a serious issue. After they were picked off twice yesterday, the Sun Devils were picked off on the bases once again. Andrew Shaps, who was caught yesterday as well, was one pick-off victim. Andrew Snow, who was picked off of third base yesterday, was thrown out going from second to third on a groundout. While mental mistakes are occasionally part of the baggage that comes with a young team, expect Tracy Smith to make baserunning a priority in practice next week.
Stat of the Night: Two innings–the amount thrown by Grant Schneider to close out the game. Not only does it take him out of contention to start both game two and Sunday’s game, but it shows that Smith is willing to use pitchers for multiple innings to close out games. Due to Shaps’ injury, ASU does not have a solidified closer, so it is mixing and matching with different players for different amounts of innings.
What’s Next?: Game two of the doubleheader will follow shortly after this one. The Sun Devils will then wrap up the series with Xavier on Sunday at 12:00.
