(Photo: ASU Athletics)
This weekend, the Arizona State Sun Devils (24-17) get set to take on the No. 9 Oklahoma State Cowboys (32-13) in Stillwater, Okla. ASU is coming off a midweek win Tuesday against New Mexico State, while the Pokes are riding a three-game winning streak into the series, which is their last at home this season. The last time these two played at the Sanderson Ford Baseball Classic in Surprise, Ariz., ASU came out on top 6-1.
Friday, 4:30 p.m. PT
Projected Starters: LHP Brett Lilek (4-2, 1.75 ERA) vs. RHP Jon Perrin (5-3, 2.11 ERA)
Brett Lilek has become a Friday night fixture for ASU since Ryan Burr reassumed his role as closer earlier in the season. The sophomore lefty has not disappointed, and he boasts a 1.75 ERA, which is the lowest of all Sun Devil starters. In 61 and two-thirds innings, Lilek has given up 37 hits, struck out a team-high 57, and walked 27.
Facing Lilek will be junior Jon Perrin. Perrin has thrown a team-high 64 innings, in which he’s struck out 55 and walked 21 while giving up 57 hits to compile a 2.11 ERA.
Saturday, 1 p.m. PT
Projected Starters: LHP Ryan Kellogg (6-2, 3.15 ERA) vs. RHP Tyler Buffett (2-1, 1.85 ERA)
Ryan Kellogg leads the Sun Devils’ pitching staff in wins with six. In 77 and one-third innings, the southpaw sophomore has given up 78 hits, striking out 46 and walking 15 for a 3.15 ERA.
Tyler Buffett will take the mound for OSU. The freshman has appeared in nine games this season, making five starts. Buffett has scattered 24 hits in 34 innings, striking out 19 and walking 17 for a 1.85 ERA.
Sunday, 10 a.m. PT
Projected Starters: RHP Darrin Gillies (1-4, 4.31 ERA) vs. TBA
Junior Darrin Gillies will get the call on Sunday for ASU. Gillies took over as the Sunday starter about halfway through the season. Through 56 and one-third innings, Gillies has given up 58 hits, striking out 39 and walking 21.
The Sunday starter has still yet to be announced for OSU. Senior Vince Wheeland is most likely to get the call after getting a win in his last outing, an 8-3 win over Texas last Sunday. The right-hander is 5-0 on the season in 21 appearances, including two starts. In 55 and one-third innings, Wheeland has compiled a 1.46 ERA, striking out 30 and walking 10 while giving up 37 hits.
Bats to Watch
For the Sun Devils, look for Nate Causey to continue to contribute. Causey leads the team in both batting average (.336) and hits (44). Right behind him in hits is RJ Ybarra (43) who leads ASU with 32 RBIs. Trever Allen still leads the team in home runs with three, but five Sun Devils each have two. As a team, ASU is batting .278.
The Pokes are led offensively by Zach Fish. Fish leads the team in batting average (.324), hits (55), home runs (8), and RBIs (31). He also leads the team in strikeouts (41). As a team, OSU has stolen 56 bases. They are collectively batting .264.
