March 9, 2010
TEMPE, Ariz. - The No. 2 Arizona State University baseball team survived a challenge from Grand Canyon on Tuesday night, defeating the Antelopes 4-2 at Winkles Field-Packard Stadium at Brock Ballpark. A crowd of 3,380 saw the Sun Devils improve to 12-0 on the season with the victory.
The game remained scoreless until Grand Canyon broke through to take a lead in the top of the sixth on a two-run single by pinch-hitter Colin Courtland.
ASU would answer in the bottom half of the inning, as Kole Calhoun drove in two with a two-out single to left field to tie the game. The Sun Devils would then take the lead in the seventh with two more two-out runs. Zach Wilson scored on a throwing error and Raoul Torrez drove in a run with a single to center.
Brady Rodgers made his first career start and allowed just two hits while striking out six in five innings, but he took a no decision. Josh Moody came on from the bullpen and got the win in his first career decision at ASU, while Jordan Swagerty picked up his third save with a perfect ninth.
Jake Barrett and Swagerty combined to strike out the final six Grand Canyon hitters, with Barrett striking out all three hitters he faced in the eighth and Swagerty fanning the side in the ninth.
The Sun Devils will return to action on Friday as they begin a three-game series with the Auburn Tigers. First pitch is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. at Winkles Field-Packard Stadium at Brock Ballpark.