EUGENE, Ore. – The seventh-ranked Sun Devils rallied from an early four-run deficit to win the series opener against No. 15 Oregon, 7-6, in extra innings on a rainy Friday night at PK Park in Eugene, Ore.
Third baseman David Greer took a leadoff walk in the top of the 10th inning and advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt by second baseman Andrew Snow before he scored the game-winning run on a fly ball from center fielder Johnny Sewald that was misplayed by Oregon’s right fielder.
Right-handed reliever Ryan Burr (4-0) recorded inning-ending swinging strikeouts with the bases loaded in both the eighth and ninth innings to send the series opener into extra innings and earn his fourth win of the season. Fellow right-handed reliever Eric Melbostad (1) was perfect in the bottom of the 10th, including a pair of putouts at first base, to record his first career save.
The Ducks (14-7, 1-3) struck first with four runs in the bottom of the third inning, but the Sun Devils (14-6, 3-1) responded with a run in the top of the fourth and five in the fifth to take a two-run lead, 6-4. UO led off the seventh with solo home run and tied the game in the eighth on a bases-loaded walk.
Greer tallied a game-high two RBI, shortstop Colby Woodmansee notched his 10th multi-hit game of the season and right fielder Trever Allen extended his hitting streak to 14 games as the Devils recorded their sixth win of the season over a ranked opponent and moved to 2-0 in extra-innings games.
A pair of leadoff walks, two singles, a fielding error and a double down the left-field line led to four runs for the Ducks in the third inning. Catcher Shaun Chase opened the scoring with a RBI single and back-to-back bunts brought home two more runs before a RBI double from left fielder Austin Grebeck chased ASU starting right-hander Seth Martinez. Right-handed reliever Darin Gillies took over with one out and runners on second and third, and registered a pair of outs on just two pitches to end the Ducks’ run.
Designated hitter RJ Ybarra hit a leadoff single in the fourth inning and advanced to second on a wild pitch before he came home on a two-out ground-rule double by first baseman Joey Bielek to put the Devils on the scoreboard.
ASU then scored five runs on four hits in the top of the fifth to erase a three-run deficit and take a 6-4 advantage. Left fielder Jake Peevyhouse sparked the rally with a RBI single to left field and Allen followed with a base hit two batters later to bring the Devils within one. Greer capped ASU’s rally with a two-out, two-run single through the left side to give the Devils the lead.
UO first baseman Brandon Cuddy led off the bottom of the seventh with a solo home run to right-center field to cut ASU’s lead to one, 6-5. The Ducks used a double and a walk to put runners at the corners with two outs, but catcher Brian Serven caught the lead runner stealing to quell the threat and keep ASU’s one-run lead intact.
The Ducks tied the game at six runs apiece on a bases-loaded walk from Burr. Third baseman Matt Eureste and shortstop Mark Karaviotis doubled and singled, respectively, to open the frame and chase ASU right-hander Jordan Aboites. Burr hit the first batter he faced to load the bases, but recorded consecutive outs on a swinging strikeout and a groundout before he issued the game-tying walk.
Right-hander Eder Erives conceded just two hits and a walk and struck out two in 2 2/3 scoreless innings. Martinez allowed four runs, including three earned, on six hits and a pair of walks in 2 1/3 innings.
Notes
ASU moved to 7-3 in one-run games this season…Greer has at least one hit in every game he has started at third base in place of DiNatale (since March 6).
Up Next
The Sun Devils take on No. 15 Oregon on March 21 in game two of its three-game series in Eugene, Ore. First pitch on Saturday is set for 2 p.m. and will be live streamed via GoDucks.com.
Saturday’s Projected Pitching Matchup
ASU: LHP Ryan Kellogg (3-0, 3.89 ERA)
UO: LHP David Peterson (2-1, 3.00 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.
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