(Photo: Nicholas Badders/WCSN)
952 miles.
That is the distance from Phoenix to Eugene, Oregon. The sight of the first Arizona State road conference series. As well as, the next team standing in the way of continuing a perfect start to the season for the Devils.
ASU’s offense has been so potent thus far, providing their pitching staff with stability and insurance in games. This trend continued on Friday night, as they took the first game of a three-game set against the Oregon Ducks by the final of 12-2.
Alec Marsh took to the hill and built upon what has been a great season for the junior right-hander.
However, after the Sun Devils bases-loaded threat was turned away in the top of the first, Oregon responded with an early opportunity of their own. After giving up a double and walk, Marsh settled down and got out of the jam and did what the team has done all year, compete.
Situational hitting is what the Sun Devils offense has prided themselves on all year long.
In the second inning at PK Park, Drew Swift added to that with a single into right field to bring home Gage Workman for the early lead.
Hunter Bishop added to his highlight reel in the third inning.
Bishop was up 3-0 in the count and trusted his ability, realizing the next pitch may be the best pitch he got in the at-bat. The junior took it to right field for his 11th home run of the season.
All-American Spencer Torkelson, albeit off to a slow start in the home run column, has been tremendous with the bat for ASU this season. He extended the Devils lead with a two-run shot to deep center, increasing the lead to 5-0 for the Devils after the top of the fourth.
Bishop would follow Torkelson’s bomb to center with an opposite field smash of his own, going back-to-back with the sophomore.
Catcher Sam Ferri has added depth at the bottom of the Devils lineup this year, and once again he put his value on full display. Ferri ripped a double to left field, increasing the lead to 8-0.
Alec Marsh took care of business on the mound for Arizona State, putting together an impressive line of six and two-thirds inning, with four strikeouts and no runs allowed.
This was Marsh’s 10th quality start in his last 14 games.
This offensive performance proved why ASU has been so lethal this season. The ability for everyone in their lineup to contribute in varying ways. If some guys have an off night, the others are there to pick them up.
A valuable tool that any successful baseball team will possess.
Oregon would get two runs of their own in the ninth inning against Dom Cacchione. However, this would be all Oregon could muster up, in what was a commanding and forceful win by ASU.
Arizona State has extended their perfect season to 21 games. Each performance, adding to the notion that they have no intentions of slowing down. The offense continues to motor ahead, the defense trailing not too far behind.
The Sun Devils will look to remain perfect Saturday night in game two against Oregon.
