March 25, 2006
Tempe, Ariz. - The #17 Arizona State Sun Devils provided some offensive fireworks on the field Saturday night as they won their 20th game with a defeat of the Penn State Nittany Lions, 15-5, at Winkles Field-Packard Stadium at Brock Ballpark in front of a crowd of 3,709. The Sun Devils (20-7) were led by third baseman Willy Fox, who recorded a three-run double, and designated hitter Ike Davis, who hit a two-run homerun.
The Sun Devils set season highs in four different offensive categories, including hits (20), runs (15) and doubles (7).
The Sun Devils struck early with a run in the bottom of the first when right fielder Colin Curtis doubled to lead off the game and scored on a sacrifice fly. However, the Devils cracked the game wide open with a six-run third inning. Preston Paramore led off the inning with a double and scored on a double by Eric Sogard. On the next play, Davis homered to right field. The Sun Devils continued the rally with three more hits, including a two-run triple by Sontag, putting the Sun Devils ahead 7-0 after three.
In the bottom of the fifth, the Sun Devils continued to pour it on, loading the bases with three consecutive hits to start the inning. All three runs came around to score on a double to center field by Fox. Brett Wallace and Paramore each recorded a RBI in the inning as well to give the Sun Devils a 12-0 lead. In the top of the sixth inning, the Lions broke up the shutout with a two-run homerun.
Frank Mesa got the start on the hill for the Devils, striking out seven batters in four innings of work in his first career start. Brady Martinez (2-0) earned the win with eight strikeouts in four innings.
The Sun Devils host the Lions in the final game of the series on Sunday before starting the Pac-10 schedule next week. First pitch is scheduled for noon.