CORVALLIS, Ore. -
May 18, 2007
CORVALLIS, Ore. - A magnificent pitching performance by Mike Leake and a few timely ground balls helped lead the Sun Devils to a 4-3 victory over the Oregon State Beavers on Friday night in Corvallis. Leake went 8.2 innings to pick up the win, upping Arizona State's record to 39-12, 15-4 in the Pac-10.
Leake allowed only five hits and two earned runs, striking out seven to improve to 11-1 on the season. Jason Jarvis picked up his seventh save, recording the final out in the ninth.
Eric Sogard got things going for the Sun Devil offense in the first, singling home Tim Smith in the top of the first to make it 1-0 ASU early. The lead did not last long however, as Mitch Canham took Mike Leake deep to right with two outs in the bottom of the first to even things at one.
Matt Spencer put ASU back on top in the third, doubling to left center to score Eric Sogard. An RBI groundout by Petey Paramore scored Ike Davis, making it 3-1 Sun Devils. The Beavers struck again with two outs in the third, pushing one across to cut the lead to 3-2. Ryan Sontag extended that lead to 4-2 in the sixth, bringing home a run on a pinch-hit ground out.
It appeared that Mike Leake would get a complete game victory, after quickly recording two outs in the top of the ninth. But a Matt Hall error extended the OSU inning, and then a walk ended the night for Leake. Jason Jarvis allowed a hit that scored an unearned run before a sparkling defensive play for Romine ended the game. He earned his eighth save of the season.
Eric Sogard was 3-5 with an RBI, while Ike Davis added two hits of his own.
The Devils and Beavers will do it again tomorrow afternoon, with first pitch scheduled for 1 p.m. from Goss Stadium at Coleman Field.