(Photo: Nicholas Badders/WCSN)
The Arizona State Sun Devils took on the Oklahoma State Cowboys on Friday to start a three game series. The Sun Devils went into the game with a 4-5 record and the Cowboys came into Phoenix Municipal Stadium with a 5-2 record this season.
Sam Romero took the mound for the Sun Devils, making his first start of the season. He had made three relief appearances coming into the game with an ERA of 2.84. Jonathan Heasley got the start for Oklahoma State, he had a record of 2-0 and an ERA of 2.31 entering Friday’s contest.
The game got off to an unorthodox start, as Gage Canning started things off with a leadoff double, with some help from miscommunication between Oklahoma State’s infield and outfield. Drew Swift then had some luck on his side as well, popping a bunt up to Heasley, who was unable to field it cleanly and get the out at first. Lyle Lin singled to center to bring Canning home and move Swift up to third. Spencer Torkelson then drove in Swift with a sacrifice fly.
Lin moved up to second on a single to right field from Carter Aldrete, then Gage Workman reached base from a fielder’s choice where Aldrete was thrown out at second. Hunter Bishop singled to short and Lin scored from third, giving the Sun Devils a 3-0 lead after one inning.
ASU’s offense got back to work in the third inning, as Torkelson started things off with a walk and moved up to third on an Aldrete single up the middle. Workman showed off his power, hitting a stand up triple that score both Torkelson and Aldrete. A sacrifice fly off the bad of Trevor Hauver scored Workman and extended ASU’s lead to 6-0.
Oklahoma State got their first run on the board in the top of the fifth when designated hitter Jake Taylor drove in Jon Littell on a double to center, however Romero was able to limit the Cowboys to the one run in the inning.
Workman hit his second triple of the night down the right field line in the bottom of the fifth and scored on a wild pitch by Heasley, who was relieved by Noah Sifrit. Heasley pitched 4.2 innings, allowing seven runs on 11 hits, whole striking out six and walking one.
Going into the sixth inning, ASSU lead 7-1 and Alika Williams reached base for the third time of the game on walk to lead off. Swiftreached on a fielder’s choice and advanced to third on a single. A wild pitch from Sifrit scored Swift and put Lin in scoring position, who would quickly come around on a Torkelson ground rule double to push ASU’s lead to 9-1.
In the seventh inning, Dellan Raish took over for Romero, who pitched 6 innings, allowing one run on five hits and two walks, while striking out seven. Rasih pitched two innings, allowing one run on no hits while striking out five.
Brady Corrigan finished off the game on the mount, allowing two hits but no runs to help Romero secure the win and bring ASU’s record back to .500 at 5-5 on the season.
Player of the Game: Gage Workman had two triples, two RBIs, scored twice, and stole a base during Friday’s game. He went 2-4.
Unsung Hero: Sam Romero kept the Oklahoma State lineup at bay. He only allowed one run on five hits.
You Knew It Was Over When: Oklahoma started making defensive changes in the seventh and eighth innings, removing their starters from the game.
Stat of the Day: Alika Williams reached base four times. He hit three singles and walked once, finishing 3-3 at the plate.
Biggest Concern: Gage Canning came into the series on fire. He was hitting .583 and leading the nation in hits with 21. He struggled against the Oklahoma State pitching staff Friday night going 1-5.
What’s Next?: The Sun Devil take on Oklahoma State for the second game of the series at 6:30 PM MST Saturday night.
