(Photo: Nicholas Badders/WCSN)
The Arizona State Sun Devils went into Sunday’s game hoping to take a series win over the USC Trojans. The Sun Devils had an excellent outing on Friday to win the first game 5-1. USC evened out the series Saturday with a 10-1 win over the Sun Devils. However ASU would not get their wish, losing 8-4 to USC.
Sam Romero got the start for the Sun Devils. His ERA after nine appearances, six of those being starts, was 5.87. Quentin Longrie took the mound for the Trojans with a 3.58 ERA and a record of 3-1.
USC got the first run on the board after a triple from third baseman Brandon Perez and a RBI single from left fielder Lars Nootbarar.
The Trojans scored another run in the top of the third. Perez singled and advanced on a walked. Dillon Paulson hit a ground rule double, scoring Perez.
The Devils got their first run on a home run from Carter Aldrete in the bottom on the fourth. USC led 2-1 going into the fifth.
Romero left in the fifth after allowing two runs on five hits in 4.1 innings of work. Dellan Raish came in to relieve him. USC scored their third run of the game on a sacrifice fly from Nootbaar that allowed Chase Bushor to come home.
The Trojans scored two more in the sixth bringing the score up to 5-1 in favor of USC.
Gage Workman hit a solo home run in the seventh to give the Sun Devils their second run of the game.
USC scored three more runs in the eighth off of Chaz Montoya and Fitz Stadler to bring the game to the to a score of 8-2.
Spencer Torkelson hit his 15th home run of the season and Alika Williams had an RBI single in that eighth to get to the final score of 8-4.
Player of the Game: Ben Ramirez. The Trojan shortstop went 3-4 with 2 RBIs.
Unsung Hero: Quentin Longrie. The USC pitcher held the Sun Devil offense to one run on three hits and three walks in five innings of work.
You Knew It Was Over When: Hunter Bishop was caught stealing to end the eighth and a potential rally from the Sun Devils.
Stat of the Day: Aldrete’s and Workman’s homers were their first of the season for both players.
Biggest Concern: ASU’s pitching staff struggled again to keep opposing batters off the bases. They combined to allow eight runs on 14 hits and three walks.
What’s Next?: The Sun Devils will travel to Las Vegas to take on UNLV on Tuesday. First pitch is slated for 6:05 p.m.
