Jan. 29, 2006
TEMPE, Ariz. - After using nearly every pitcher on their roster during the first two games of the season, the ASU bullpen got some much needed rest on Sunday afternoon, as Pat Bresnehan threw seven and two thirds strong innings to lead the Sun Devils to an 8-1 victory over the Cal State Northridge Matadors at Winkles Field-Packard Stadium at Brock Ballpark. Brensehan allowed one run on four hits, and freshman Jeff Urlaub came in and shut the door in the eighth and ninth, allowing no hits while striking out three to help the Devils earn a 2-1 series victory in the opening series of the 2006 season.
The Sun Devils got things going in the second inning, as Eric Sogard doubled down the left field line to knock in Willy Fox and give the Sun Devils an early 1-0 lead. CSUN answered back in the top of the third, but the Sun Devils answered right back in the bottom half of the inning. Matt Hall led the inning off with a single, then advanced to third after JJ Sferra reached first on a bunt single and was hit by the third baseman's throw. Hall would come around to score on a bunt single by Ryan Sontag. Sontag would score later in the inning on a passed ball, and the Sun Devils ended the third up 3-1.
That would be all that Pat Bresnehan would need, as the junior righty mowed down Matadors all afternoon. Bresnehan scattered four hits in 7.2, struck out three, and allowed only one run to earn his first victory of the season, much to the enjoyment of the 2,553 in attendance.
Arizona State would add some insurance in the fourth, as freshman Matt Hall homered off the light post in left field for his first career home run and a 5-1 ASU lead. In the sixth, Sogard continued his impressive weekend, as he took a pitch over the wall down the right field line to lead off the inning. The Sun Devils would add one more in the inning to expand their lead to 7-1. In the eighth, freshman Brett Wallace hit his first career round tripper to right to close out the Sun Devils offensive afternoon.
Sogard finished the day 4-4, a triple short of the cycle, and hit .714 for the weekend. Ryan Sontag showed ASU fans why he was Big-10 Freshman of the Year last season, as he went 5-11, knocked in five RBI, scored four times and stole a base during his Sun Devil debut weekend.
The Sun Devils continue their home stand next weekend, as they will take on the Northern Illinois Huskies in a three-game series at Winkles Field-Packard Stadium at Brock Ballpark. Friday night's first pitch is slated for 7:00 PM, while Saturday and Sunday both get underway at 1:00 PM. For tickets, log on to www.TheSunDevils.com, or call 480-727-0000.