January 31, 1999
TEMPE, Ariz. - The 12th-ranked Arizona State baseball team (11-0, 0-0) swept Howard University (0-3, 0-0) 20-2 this afternoon before a crowd of 1,002 at Packard Stadium. The Sun Devils have now played with wooden bats for three consecutive weeks.
Freshman Jon Switzer picked up his second win allowing only two runs off two hits with nine strikeouts. Switzer had a no-hitter through six innings. The Bison's starter Isaac Haynes took the loss after giving up eight runs on seven hits in the first two innings.
"I was really pleased. He (Switzer) showed great composure," ASU head coach Pat Murphy said. "He had great movement on his fastball."
Third baseman Andrew Beinbrink continued his eight game winning streak going 4-for-6 with four RBI. Shortstop Willie Bloomquist was 3-for-6 on the day with four RBI and three runs scored. Freshman Brooks Conrad was 1-for-1 with a three RBI double in the eighth inning.
ASU started the scoring in the second inning after second baseman Chip Gosewisch singled in designated hitter Brett Cadiente who walked. Centerfielder Dustin Delucchi's double down the right field line scored Gosewisch.
Rightfielder Jeff Duncan singled to score Delucchi and Beinbrink followed with a triple to left center to score Duncan.
The Sun Devils would score in four other innings getting two runs in the third, one in the sixth, four in the seventh and seven in the eighth.
Howard's two runs came in the seventh inning. Shortstop George O'Meir doubled to right center to start off the inning. First baseman Byron Ewing's single to right scored O'Meir. Ewing then stole second and third baseman Eunique Johnson scored on the throw. Johnson had reached base after being hit by a pitch.
"Now it's time to settle down and play," Murphy said. "We'll just keep battling because we'll be tested this weekend."
ASU will host its annual alumni game on Tuesday, February 2 at 7 p.m. at Packard Stadium, before traveling to play No. 8 Florida State in a three game series starting Friday, February 5.
Howard 000 000 200 2 2 5 Arizona State 062 001 47x 20 17 0Winner - Switzer (2-0) Loser - Haynes (0-1) Save - None
Umpires: Williamson, Burleson, Daugherty Time: 2:53
Attn: 1,002