Feb. 15, 2007
TEMPE, Ariz. - Freshman righty Mike Leake threw 4.2 solid innings out of the bullpen, and a timely three-run double by Matt Hall helped lead the Arizona State Sun Devils to a 7-1 victory over the Missouri Tigers on Thursday night at Winkles Field-Packard Stadium at Brock Ballpark. With the win, ASU improves to 6-1.
For the first four innings, it didn't look like either team would be able to push a run across the plate as ASU starter Brian Flores and Missou starter Ian Berger traded zeros. But the Tigers were able to strike first off Flores, scoring in the top of the fifth on an RBI ground out with the bases loaded. With one out and runners at the corners, Pat Murphy went to his bullpen and summoned Leake. With one pitch, Leake induced a ground ball to start a double play and get the Devils out of the inning trailing only 1-0.
Matt Spencer got the ASU offense started in the bottom of the fifth, leading off the inning with a double down the left field line. After a Petey Paramore single and walk to Tim Smith, the Devils had the bases loaded and no one out for Ryan Sontag. After a wild pitch evened the score, Sontag put the Devils ahead 2-1 with an RBI groundout. Andrew Romine would add another run with an RBI single that made 3-1 Arizona State after five. The Sun Devils added four more runs in sixth, three coming on a double from Matt Hall into the left field corner.
That was all Leake would need, as he cruised over the final 4.2 innings to up his record to 2-0. Flores lasted 4.1 allowing one run on two hits, but he also hit three batters. Leake did not allow a run and gave up only three hits while striking out two.
The Sun Devils and Tigers now head west to Surprise to take part in the 5th Annual Coca-Cola Classic. The Gonzaga Bulldogs and Oregon State Beavers will open the tournament tomorrow afternoon at 3 p.m. from Surprise Stadium, while ASU and Missouri's rematch will take place at 7 p.m.