Photo: Nicholas Badders/WCSN
The Arizona State Sun Devils welcomed the UNLV Runnin’ Rebels on Tuesday evening, looking to build on their three-game winning streak. The Sun Devils would not be able to get their win streak to four, losing to UNLV 10-3.
Alec Marsh got the start for the Sun Devils, boasting an ERA of 1.59 in 17 innings of work coming into Tuesday’s contest.
The game remained scoreless through the first two innings, until UNLV capitalized on Marsh’s lack of control. Marsh walked both Seth Mullins and Dillon Johnson, before Kyle Isbel blasted a three-run home run to put the Rebels ahead 3-0.
The Sun Devils responded quickly in their half of the frame, as Drew Swift reached on a one-out single, then took second on a wild pitch. Cage Canning and Lyle Lin reached base via a hit-by-pitch and catcher’s interference, respectively, before Spencer Torkelson brought Swift home with a deep sacrifice fly. The UNLV lead was trimmed to 3-2 when Carter Aldrete singled home Canning.
The Sun Devils pulled even with the Rebels in the fifth inning after starter Chase Maddux, the son of Hall of Fame pitcher Greg Maddux, was pulled in favor of Casey Miller. Torkelson picked up his second RBI of the night when he singled in Canning, who had stolen third base after a double to lead off the frame.
The game remained tied until the top of the eighth inning, where Bryson Scott doubled off ASU relief pitcher Dellan Raish, and scored on a single by Isbel to put UNLV up 4-3. The game was blown open after Chaz Montoya walked Nick Ames to load the bases, followed by a bases-clearing triple off the bat of Max Smith.
UNLV plated three more runs in the top of the ninth thanks to a three-run double by Ames off Grant Schneider, putting any hope of a comeback out of reach for ASU.
Player of the Game: Kyle Isbel. The UNLV center fielder went 2-5 with a three-run home run and four RBI.
Unsung Hero: Alec Marsh. Despite giving up the big hit to Isbel in the third, the sophomore did a good job keeping the UNLV offense under control, allowing just two hits while striking out four in five innings of work.
You Knew It Was Over When: Nick Ames walked to load the bases with one out in the eighth.
Biggest Concern: ASU relief pitchers allowed seven runs and five walks combined, which ultimately proved too much to overcome on this night against UNLV pitching.
Stat of the Day: Gage Canning reached base for his 21st straight game Tuesday night, going 1-4 with a double and two runs.
What’s Next?: The Sun Devils will travel to Los Angeles for a three-game series against UCLA. First pitch of the series is slated for 7PM Friday evening.
