PHOENIX – First baseman Joey Bielek drove a two-out single to left-center field to break a 3-3 tie in the bottom of the eighth inning and push No. 12 Sun Devil Baseball to a 4-3 win over New Mexico on Wednesday night at Phoenix Municipal Stadium.
The Sun Devils (13-6) took a 3-0 lead through the first two innings and right-handers Ryan Hingst and Eric Melbostad combined to hold the Lobos (11-7) scoreless through five frames before they scored once in the sixth and twice in the seventh to knot the game at three runs apiece.
Shortstop Colby Woodmansee led off the eighth with a single and right fielder Trever Allen followed with a base hit two batters later to put runners at first and second with one out. Bielek stepped to the plate following a strikeout by catcher Brian Serven and deposited a 2-2 pitch into left-center field to score Woodmansee and bring home the eventual game-winning run.
Bielek went 3-for-4 with a pair of RBI, Serven collected two hits and Allen extended his hitting streak to 13 games to pace Arizona State.
Right-hander Darin Gilles (1-2) took over with two outs in the seventh and earned his first win of the season after a scoreless eighth inning. Fellow right-hander Ryan Burr (8) stranded runners at the corners in the ninth to collect his eighth save of the season and the 32nd of his career.
Hingst took a no-decision in his second career start after he scattered three hits and struck out three in three scoreless innings.
Center fielder Johnny Sewald walked to open the bottom of the first and came home on a Woodmansee groundout to third base to put ASU ahead early, 1-0. A walk and a single by Allen and Serven, respectively, led off the second inning and Bielek and third baseman David Greer plated them both with a single and a sacrifice fly to push the Devils’ advantage to three.
Designated hitter Ryan Padilla hit a sacrifice fly in the sixth inning to put UNM on the board and pinch hitter Jack Zoellner added a two-out, two-run single in the top of the seventh to even the score, 3-3.
Notes
ASU moved to 6-3 in one-run games this season…the Devils did not reach 13 wins in 2014 until the 24th game of the season…left-hander Eli Lingos took over the seventh inning and was responsible for two unearned runs in 2/3 of an inning.
Up Next
The Sun Devils travel to Eugene, Ore., March 20-22, to take on No. 15 Oregon in ASU’s 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. All three games will be live streamed via GoDucks.com.
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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