PHOENIX – Sun Devil Baseball scored five runs in the latter third of the game to beat No. 24 Oregon State, 7-4, and win its first Pac-12 Conference series of the season on Sunday at Phoenix Municipal Stadium.
The 12th-ranked Sun Devils (12-6, 2-1) trailed the two-time defending conference champions by a pair after six innings, but scored twice in the seventh to tie the game and three times in the eighth to secure their 10th series win over the Beavers (15-5, 1-2) since 2000.
Shortstop Colby Woodmansee delivered a two-out, bases-loaded, two-run single to center field in the bottom of the seventh inning to knot the game at four runs apiece. Right fielder Trever Allen led off the bottom of the eighth with a single to left field and scored the go-ahead run three batters later when third baseman David Greer was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded. Freshman second baseman Andrew Snow followed with a two-run single through the left side to push ASU’s advantage to three, 7-4.
Right-handed reliever Jordan Aboites (1-2) held the Beavers to pair of runs on five hits over a career-long four innings to earn his first win of the season. Fellow right-hander Ryan Burr (7) walked the first batter he faced in the ninth before he issued a pair of strikeouts and induced a line drive to pick up his seventh save of the season.
Designated hitter RJ Ybarra put ASU ahead, 1-0, with an infield single in the bottom of the first. Woodmansee drew a two-out walk and a throwing error on a failed pickoff attempt moved him to third before Ybarra plated him with a base hit deep into the six-hole.
Starting left-hander Brett Lilek kept the Beavers off the board through the first two innings before they tallied a run in both the third and fourth innings. They put runners at first and third with no outs in both frames and used a fielder’s choice and a groundout, respectively, to take the lead, 2-1. Lilek was able to quell both threats, however, as he issued a pair of groundouts in each inning to strand a Beaver at third base.
Catcher Brian Serven tied the game at two runs apiece with a RBI groundout to the shortstop in the bottom of the fourth after a Ybarra single and a dropped fly ball.
Aboites took over for Lilek with runners on the corners and no outs in the top of the fifth and kept OSU off the board. He hit the first batter he faced to load the bases and struck out the next Beaver before caught a hard-hit line drive on the mound and threw OSU first baseman KJ Harrison out at first to complete the inning-ending double play and escape the jam.
The Beavers put runners at the corners and no outs for the fourth consecutive inning in the top of the sixth and capitalized with a pair of runs via a RBI single and a groundout for a 4-2 advantage.
Lilek was replaced after the fourth inning and allowed two runs on five hits and a pair of walks, and struck out two. OSU left-hander Luke Heimlich (0-2) took the loss after he conceded a pair of runs, including one earned, on two hits and a walk.
Notes
The Devils moved to 49-29 all-time against the Beavers…ASU is now 5-4 against ranked opponents this season.
Up Next
The Sun Devils host New Mexico on Wednesday, March 18, at 6:30 pm, in the final game of the team’s 19-game homestand to start the season. ASU then travels to Eugene, Ore., to take on the Ducks in its first road action of the year. First pitch on Friday is set for 6 pm, while Saturday is slated for a 2 pm start and Sunday at 12 pm. Wednesday’s home game will be live streamed via thesundevils.com and broadcast on NBC Sports Radio AM 1060.
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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