Sun Devils look to keep hot streak alive against USC Trojans

(Photo: Scotty Bara/WCSN)

This weekend, the Arizona State Sun Devils (15-11) host the USC Trojans (14-13) in PAC-12 Conference play. The Sun Devils are coming off a series win against UCLA, their second consecutive road series victory against a ranked opponent in as many weeks, while USC is coming off a three game sweep at the hands of Washington. The Trojans did beat Long Beach State on Tuesday and will be looking to start a new winning streak.

Friday, 6:30 PM PST

Projected Starters: LHP Brett Lilek (3-2) vs. RHP Wyatt Strahan (2-3)

Sophomore southpaw Brett Lilek has been one of ASU’s best pitchers this season after throwing only 20 innings last year in his freshman campaign. In 35 2/3 innings this year, Lilek has a 2.27 ERA with 37 strikeouts compared to 16 walks. Lilek has even earned a save this season.

Facing off against Lilek will be right-hander Wyatt Strahan. The junior comes into the game after earning a save Tuesday night in the Trojans’ game against Long Beach State. Strahan has a 4.47 ERA in 46 1/3 innings, which is by far the most innings pitched by any USC pitcher. Strahan’s 35 strikeouts and 17 walks are comparable to Lilek’s numbers.

Saturday, 6:30 PM PST

Projected Starters: LHP Ryan Kellogg (3-2) vs. LHP Bob Wheatley (2-3)

ASU’s star Canadian Ryan Kellogg will take the mound in Saturday’s game. Kellogg has thrown a team-high 42 1/3 innings, accumulating a 4.25 ERA. The sophomore has struck out over three times as many batters as he has walked with a 28-9 ratio.

On the rubber for USC will be Bob Wheatley. The senior has thrown 34 1/3 innings where he’s collected a 3.67 ERA, fanning 26 and walking 15.

Sunday, 12:30 PM PST

Projected Starters: RHP Darin Gillies (1-1) vs. TBD

Darin Gillies has been the Sunday starter the past two weeks for the Sun Devils and will most likely get the call once again. The junior has been the latest to fill in the revolving door of Sunday starters for ASU. Gillies’ 34 2/3 innings are good for third-most on the team. He has struck out 25 and walked 13 for a 4.67 ERA.

The Trojans haven’t settled on a Sunday starter either. Last Sunday saw Nigel Nootbaar, a right-handed junior, take the mound, but reliever Kyle Davis threw six scoreless innings to steal the show. Jeff Paschke, a freshman, gave up three runs in his one and one-third inning start the previous Sunday against Stanford.

Offensive Leaders

Nate Causey leads ASU with a .368 batting average and is in a three-way tie for first with RJ Ybarra and Johnny Sewald with 28 hits. Trever Allen has hit three home runs to lead the Sun Devils, and Dalton DiNatale leads the team with 22 RBIs.

For the Trojans, Kevin Swick is batting .327 with 36 hits, both team-leading. Timmy Robinson has 17 RBIs and Vahn Bozoian leads USC with three home runs.

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