Keenan Vaughan, Author at Cronkite Sports

ASU Linebackers Ready to Run It Back for Another Year

by Keenan Vaughan - April 21, 2025April 21, 2025

(Photo: Spencer Barnes/WCSN) TEMPE — Upon his arrival in 2023, Arizona State defensive coordinator Brian Ward implemented a Nickel Defense or 4-2-5 scheme. The design requires athleticism, versatility and, most importantly, the ability to stop both the run and pass. One of, if not the, most critical component in ASU’s Nickel Defense

Ben Jacobs’ 13 strikeouts in six innings propels ASU to 10-4 win against Texas Tech

by Keenan Vaughan - April 18, 2025April 18, 2025

(Photo: Joshua Eaton/WCSN) PHOENIX — In the midst of the top of the third inning, a sudden feeling of déjà vu sunk in at Phoenix Municipal Stadium. Junior left-handed pitcher Ben Jacobs got off to the best start on the mound imaginable, striking the first six batters that challenged him at the

Takeaways: Sun Devils Drop Two of Three At Cincinnati For Second-Straight Series Loss

by Keenan Vaughan, Ethan Ignatovsky and Andrew Hayslett - April 13, 2025April 13, 2025

(Photo: Maya Diaz/WCSN) After falling at home in a three-game series to in-state rival Arizona, Arizona State was looking to close out the first half of Big 12 conference play this weekend by getting back to its winning ways at Cincinnati. The Bearcats, however, didn’t get that memo, giving the Sun

ASU Rolls into Next Season with Familiar Faces on Defensive Line

by Keenan Vaughan - April 12, 2025April 12, 2025

(Photo: Grace Johnson/WCSN) TEMPE — In the current landscape of college football, it’s not uncommon for the names on a team’s roster to look completely different from one season to another. Arizona State football is no exception as a combined 26 freshman and transfer portal additions are currently trying to prove

No. 24 Sun Devils Fall 8-5 to Rival Arizona With 7,000+ in attendance

by Keenan Vaughan - April 5, 2025April 5, 2025

(Photo: Sammy Nute/WCSN) TEMPE — With two outs in the top of the fifth inning, Arizona State had all the momentum it could’ve hoped for. The Sun Devil bats had scored four runs in the first four innings of the game while junior left-handed pitcher Ben Jacobs completely dominated on the

Takeaways: Sun Devils secure first-ever Big 12 sweep at Utah

by Andrew Hayslett, Keenan Vaughan and Ethan Ignatovsky - March 30, 2025March 30, 2025

(Photo: Austin Hurst) For Arizona State baseball, this weekend’s three-game series at Utah presented a major test. Despite sporting a 37-11 all-time record against the Utes, the hitter-friendly nature of Smith’s Ballpark combined with the Sun Devils’ struggles on the road spelled a recipe for the unpredictable. However, 34 runs across

Pitching staff flashes in Sun Devils’ series win over Kansas

by Keenan Vaughan - March 23, 2025March 23, 2025

(Photo: Nickolas Montei/WCSN) PHOENIX — Carrying a 5-4 lead into the bottom of the ninth inning, Arizona State head coach Willie Bloomquist went with the safest option out of his bullpen to close out the rubber match and pick up the series win over Kansas. Junior right-handed pitcher Lucas Kelly hadn’t

Sun Devils set for first Big 12 home series, taking on Kansas

by Keenan Vaughan - March 21, 2025March 21, 2025

(Photo: Maya Diaz/WCSN) 21 games into the 2025 season, it’s fair to say that Arizona State baseball is once again experiencing another roller coaster year. The Sun Devils soared high this past weekend, scoring 38 runs in two games to begin Big 12 conference play with a huge road series victory over

No. 11 Sun Devils head to Minnesota to take on No. 6 Denver in NCHC Frozen Faceoff

by Keenan Vaughan - March 21, 2025March 21, 2025

(Photo: Marina Williams/WCSN) The debut of NCHC Tournament hockey at Mullett Arena this past weekend did not disappoint in the slightest. Fans of the maroon and gold watched two down-to-the-wire victories over Minnesota Duluth capped off with an overtime game-winner by senior forward Ryan Kirwan that lifted the Sun Devils to

No. 12 Sun Devils close out regular season with 4-2 loss at Omaha

by Keenan Vaughan - March 2, 2025March 2, 2025

(Photo: Marina Williams/WCSN) The scoreboard at Baxter Arena read 1:31 left to play in the third period. Down one goal and with significant postseason implications hanging in the balance, it was truly now or never for the Sun Devils. After coming away with the puck at the face off dot to the