PHOENIX – Starting right-hander Seth Martinez tossed eight scoreless innings before No. 24 Oregon State broke up a 0-0 tie with a single in the top of the ninth as No. 12 Sun Devil Baseball fell, 1-0, in the Pac-12 Conference opener in front of 3,835 fans on Friday night at Phoenix Municipal Stadium.
It was a scoreless pitching duel through eight innings as both teams were unable to capitalize on scattered hits. Right-handed reliever Darin Gillies (0-2) replaced Martinez in the ninth and induced a first-pitch fly ball to right field, but he walked the next batter he faced and a throwing error by shortstop Colby Woodmansee in the following at-bat put runners on first and second. Fellow right-hander Ryan Burr took over and struck out OSU catcher Logan Ice before third baseman Caleb Hamilton hit a line drive off the pitcher’s mound to drive in the winning run from second base.
Martinez, in his first career Pac-12 start, put together a career outing as he held the Beavers (15-3) scoreless through a career-long eight innings. He scattered four hits and three walks, and struck out three in his second weekend as the team’s Friday night starter.
OSU starting right-hander Andrew Moore was chased with two runners on base and one out in the bottom of the eighth. Moore conceded seven hits and one walk, and struck out three in 7 1/3 scoreless innings of work.
Gillies took the loss for the Sun Devils (10-6) after just 1/3 inning of work, while OSU right-hander John Pomeroy closed out the eighth (1-0) for his first win of the season and right-hander Mitch Hickey (3) tossed a scoreless ninth to pick up his third save of the season.
ASU outhit the Beavers, 8-5, and right fielder Trever Allen led the way with a pair of singles, the only player on either team with multiple hits.
Neither team advanced a runner past second base until the top of the seventh inning, but Martinez induced a groundout to Woodmansee to keep the scoreless tie intact.
The Sun Devils came within 90 feet of the game’s first run in both the seventh and eighth innings. First baseman RJ Ybarra and third baseman David Greer, respectively, were on third base with one out in each of the two frames and both were thrown out at the plate on squeeze plays.
Ybarra knocked a single to left field with one out in the bottom of the seventh and Allen followed with a bunt single that hugged the left foul line. Hamilton made a throwing error on the play to allow both runners to advance a base and the Beavers intentionally walked catcher Brian Serven in the next at-bat to load the bases. Zach Cerbo, pinch hitting for designated hitter Ryan Lillard, laid down a bunt to set up a squeeze play, but the Beavers ended the threat and the inning on a 1-2-3 double play.
Greer led off the eighth with a double to right-center field and center fielder Johnny Sewald was hit by a pitch two at-bats later to put a pair of runners on base with one out for the second consecutive inning. Joey Bielek’s bunt was field by Moore and Greer was thrown out at the plate, and a fielder’s choice by Woodmansee ended the inning.
Catcher Brian Serven hit a two-out single to center field in the bottom of the ninth to put the tying run on first base, but a groundout to the Beavers’ second baseman ended the game.
Notes
The Devils moved to 47-29 al-time against the Beavers and 29-24 all-time in conference openers, including 1-3 in Pac-12 openers...ASU is now 3-4 against ranked opponents this season and is 4-3 in one-run games.
Up Next
The Sun Devils host two-time defending Pac-12 champion Oregon State on March 14 in the second game of the teams’ three-game series. Saturday’s game will begin at 6 p.m. and will be televised on the Pac-12 Networks with JB Long and JT Snow on the call. NBC Sports Radio AM 1060 will broadcast the game with Tim Healey and Max Rossiter on the call.
Weekend Promotions/Recognitions
SATURDAY: Legacy Foundation Celebration – 50th anniversary of the 1965 national championship team
SUNDAY: Kids Run The Bases/Autographs
Saturday’s Projected Pitching Matchup
OSU: RHP Drew Rasmussen (2-0, 1.88 ERA)
ASU: LHP Ryan Kellogg (3-0, 3.90 ERA)
Family Section, Family Four Pack
The Family Section, located in Section 20 on the third-base line near the picnic area, does not permit alcohol or inappropriate language. A general admission ticket is the only requirement to gain entry into the section. Family Four Pack’s include four tickets to the game, four big hot dogs and four 32 oz. fountain drinks, and start at just $60. The first Family Four Pack of the season is available now for the Devils’ three-game series against Oregon State March 13-15. Following the series against the Beavers, Family Four Packs will be available for all home mid-week and Sunday games the rest of the season. Click here to purchase.
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.
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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