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TEMPE, Ariz. – Junior right-hander Darin Gillies put together the best outing of his three-year career and the Arizona State University baseball team rallied from a two-run deficit in the ninth before dropping the series finale to Washington, 4-3, in 11 innings on Sunday afternoon in front of 2,566 fans at Packard Stadium in Tempe, Ariz.
Sophomore left fielder Chris Beall led off the ninth with his first career home run on a 1-1 count, and junior second baseman Drew Stankiewicz walked in the next at-bat, moved to second on a sacrifice bunt by redshirt senior pinch hitter Tucker Esmay, advanced to third on a single by sophomore center fielder Johnny Sewald and scored on a sacrifice fly by junior right fielder Jake Peevyhouse to knot the game at three runs apiece.
The Sun Devil pitching staff had retired 12 straight batters heading into the 11th inning, but UW second baseman Andrew Ely hit a solo home run on the first pitch of the frame to give the Huskies (12-5-1, 2-1) the series win.
Gillies did not allow an earned run in six innings, which tied his career long, and he matched his season-high with six strikeouts in a no-decision. He conceded four hits and one walk as he permitted just two baserunners and held the Huskies scoreless over the final four frames of his outing. This marked Gillies’ second career start in which he did not allow an earned run dating back to a five-inning bout against USC on April 15, 2012.
The Sun Devils (9-8, 1-2) doubled the Huskies hit total, 10-5, behind a pair of hits from four different batters, including Stankiewicz, who made his first career start at second base in his first game back from injury since Feb. 27.
Sophomore right-hander Eric Melbostad tossed consecutive perfect innings in the seventh and eighth before sophomore right-hander Ryan Burr (1-2) took the mound for the final three innings. Burr set down six straight batters, but surrendered the eventual game-winning home run to Ely to take his second loss of the year.
The Huskies capitalized on a fielding error by the Devils in the first at-bat of the game and scored a pair of runs in the top of the first inning on a double and single. ASU countered with four hits in the bottom of the frame, including a two-out RBI single by sophomore catcher RJ Ybarra, to cut its deficit to one, 2-1.
UW catcher Austin Rei took a leadoff walk, moved to second on a sacrifice bunt, advanced to third on a fielding error by the Devils and scored on a wild pitch to put the Huskies ahead by a pair.
The Devils put the tying run on first base in the bottom of the eighth inning after a leadoff walk by redshirt junior right fielder Trever Allen and a two-out single by sophomore third baseman Dalton DiNatale, but sophomore designated hitter David Graybill struck out looking to end the frame.
Huskies right-hander Trevor Dunlap (1-1) earned the win despite giving up two runs on three hits in 3 1/3 innings. Starting right-hander Jeff Brigham went five innings and allowed one run on six hits and struck out three in a no-decision.
Notes
The Devils moved to 33-18 all-time against Washington…DiNatale extended his hitting streak to nine games…the Devils turned three double plays this series…RHP Eder Erives entered the game in the top of the seventh, but left before facing a batter.
Up Next
ASU hosts Wichita State for a two-game midweek series March 18-19 before traveling to Corvallis, Ore., to take on No. 4 Oregon State March 21-23. Both home games against the Shockers, with first pitch at 6:30 p.m. PT, will be broadcast on NBC Sports Radio AM 1060 as well as live streamed via Pac-12.com, and links to both the radio broadcast and live stream can be found on the baseball schedule on thesundevils.com. Both Friday and Sunday’s games against the Beavers will be broadcast by the Pac-12 Networks, with Friday set to begin at 7 p.m. PT and Sunday slated for a 12 p.m. PT start. First pitch for Saturday’s game will be at 1:35 p.m. PT
Promotions
Ballots for the All-Packard Team are available now on gamedays at Packard Stadium, so be sure to mark your picks for the best to play at Packard Stadium, or visit azcentral.com to vote online
Tip Your Cap To Packard Celebration – 1980-89
Five former Sun Devils threw out a ceremonial first pitch prior to the game on Saturday, March 15.
Barry Bonds (1983-85) – ASU Sports Hall of Famer, Sun Devil Baseball Wall of Fame member, Major League Baseball Home Run King and seven-time National League MVP
Kendall Carter (1981-84) - 1981 National Championship starting pitcher, ASU Sports Hall of Famer and ASU record holder for career wins with 47
Alvin Davis (1979-82) - 1981 National Championship team first baseman, ASU Sports Hall of Famer, Sun Devil Baseball Wall of Fame member, 1984 AL Rookie of the Year and nine-year MLB veteran
Mike Devereaux (1984-85) – Outfielder, 1995 NLCS MVP, World Series champion and 12-year MLB veteran
Bert Martinez (1980-83) - 1981 National Championship team second baseman
Ron Scott, Sun Devil Baseball’s Legacy Supporter from 1980-89, was recognized on the field prior to the game on Sunday, March 16
Season tickets starting at $99, single-game tickets and Mini Packs are on sale now. Admission for ASU students is free with a valid Sun Card. Purchasing season tickets will also give fans first opportunity and priority at selecting seats at Phoenix Municipal Stadium in 2015. Ariz.
Join the conversation all season using the hashtag #OccupyPackard
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