SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – The Sun Devils took a scoreless tie into the bottom of the fifth inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks in a 4-0 loss in the Inaugural Collegiate Baseball Series at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick in Scottsdale, Ariz.
Sun Devils on both teams shined in front of 6,655 fans, the most for a NCAA vs. MLB exhibition game this year. Diamondbacks scout and Arizona State alum Cory Hahn threw out the ceremonial first pitch, freshman right-hander Ryan Hingst held the D-backs to one hit across a pair of scoreless innings in his first career collegiate start, and former Sun Devil all-conference pitcher Jake Barrett closed out the ninth for the D-backs.
“They rolled out the red carpet and treated us like big leaguers,” head coach Tracy Smith said. “It was a great experience for all of us and a fun way to showcase both teams.”
Six different Devils recorded a hit, including a double from junior Chris Beall and singles from junior RJ Ybarra, sophomore Jordan Aboites and Colby Woodmansee, and freshmen Coltin Gerhart and Ryan Lillard. Gerhart and junior Johnny Sewald each stole a base and four other pitchers each put together a scoreless inning, including junior Eric Melbostad and freshmen Eli Lingos, Grant Schneider and Andrew Shaps.
“This opportunity is just another reason why Arizona State is such a special place,” Ybarra said. “To play on the same field with some of the guys I grew up watching is something I’ll never forget.”
Tuffy Gosewisch, a two-time All-Pac-10 catcher for the Devils, started at catcher and caught the first game ball bearing the signature of first-year Major League Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred. Goosewisch, first baseman Paul Goldschmidt, right fielder Mark Trumbo and third baseman Yasmany Tomas each recorded singles.
The Devils pitching staff held the D-backs to just one extra base hit, a two-run double by first baseman Danny Dorn in the fifth to give them the lead. They added a pair of runs in the eighth to push their lead to four.
The D-backs play an exhibition game each season from 2015-20, rotating between Arizona’s three Division I NCAA baseball programs - ASU, University of Arizona and Grand Canyon University (GCU - as part of the Collegiate Baseball Series. ASU will take on the D-backs again in 2018.
Up Next
Arizona State hosts a three-game set against Long Beach State March 6-8 at Phoenix Muni. First pitch on Friday and Saturday is set for 6:30 p.m., with Sunday slated for a 12:30 p.m. start. All three of the Devils’ games against the Dirtbags will be live streamed via thesundevils.com, while Friday’s game will also be broadcast on NBC Sports Radio AM 1060 with Healey and Dhaenens on the call.
2015 Flex and Mini Plans
Flex and Mini Plans are available now for the 2015 season at Phoenix Municipal Stadium. A Flex Plan allows fans to receive discounted prices up to 46 percent without having to choose games in advance. Fans will receive nine ticket vouchers that are redeemable for any game, in any quantity, in the infield reserved seating sections. Mini Plans offer fans the opportunity to pick and choose any five games this season. Click here to view Flex and Mini Plan options.
2015 Season Tickets
Season tickets are available now for the 2015 season at Phoenix Municipal Stadium. Tickets range from $99 for general admission to $375 for field reserved/infield box, and season parking passes cost $35. Click here to view the 2015 Sun Devil Baseball pricing map and click here to purchase tickets.
Transitioning The Legacy Campaign
Season ticket holders also have an opportunity to make a capital campaign commitment towards the Phoenix Muni renovations. All gifts, no matter the size, are important and appreciated, and can be a one-time gift or a five-year pledge. Fans interested in naming opportunities at Phoenix Muni can contact the Sun Devil Club at 480-727-7700. All commitments are tax-deductible through the Sun Devil Club. Join our community and own a piece of our hometown team.
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