PHOENIX – Chris Beall delivered a pinch-hit two-run single with two outs in the bottom of the ninth inning as No. 6 Sun Devil Baseball rallied for a 7-6 win over Stanford in front of 4,007 fans on Friday night at Phoenix Municipal Stadium.
The Sun Devils (16-7, 5-2) secured their fourth walk-off victory of the season after their early three-run advantage was erased by a four-run fifth inning from Stanford. Left fielder Jake Peevyhouse threw the Cardinal (10-12, 0-4) lead runner out at home in the top of the ninth to save a run and end the frame, and Arizona State scored three runs in the bottom of the inning to win its fifth game this year when trailing after six innings.
ASU loaded the bases with no outs in the ninth inning courtesy of a leadoff single by shortstop Colby Woodmansee, a five-pitch walk by designated hitter RJ Ybarra and a base hit from right fielder Trever Allen. Catcher Brian Serven lined out in the next at-bat before first baseman Joey Bielek brought the Devils within one with a RBI fielder’s choice. Third baseman David Greer walked to load the bases for the second time in the frame and Beall, who entered the game having gone 0-for-11 in his previous seven games, drove in the winning runs.
Greer recorded a career-best three hits, and added a RBI and a run scored, Ybarra hit two doubles and Allen extended his hitting streak to 17 games with a pair of hits to pace the Devils at the plate.
Right-handed reliever Jordan Aboites (2-2) tossed 2 2/3 scoreless innings of relief to earn his second win of the season. He took over with runners on first and second and one out in the top of the seventh and induced an inning-ending double play. Fellow right-hander reliever Eder Erives did not allow a run in his one inning of work.
The Devils notched a run in each of the first two innings via a pair of sacrifice flies to take a quick 2-0 lead. Woodmansee drove in the first run of the game in the opening frame on a fly ball to right field after center fielder Johnny Sewald led off the inning with a walk and moved to third on a wild pitch and a groundout. Greer began the second with a double and scored three batters later on a fly ball from Peevyhouse.
Stanford countered with a run in the top of third, but ASU added two more in the bottom half of the inning to extend its advantage to three, 4-1. The Cardinal used a pair of singles and a double-play groundout to plate their first run of the game. Ybarra and Allen tallied consecutive doubles, and Greer knocked in a RBI single following a pair of groundouts to highlight the Devils’ two-run inning.
The Cardinal tallied four unearned runs with two outs in the top of the fifth to take its first lead of the game, 5-4. Catcher Bryce Carter hit a one-out single and a fielding error by Woodmansee in the next at-bat extended the inning. A walk, a wild pitch, a two-run single and a RBI triple then led to four runs.
Starting right-hander Seth Martinez opened the game with two quick innings, but conceded one run in the third and was chased with one out and the bases loaded in the top of the fifth. He was responsible for four runs, including one earned, on five hits and two walks in 4 1/3 innings.
Cardinal right-hander Colton Hock (0-1) surrendered the winning run and took his first loss of the season. Starting right-hander Brett Hanewich allowed four runs on eight hits and four walks in a five-inning no-decision.
Notes
The Devils turned three doubles plays to tie a season high…ASU improved to 9-3 in one-run games this season…the Devils moved to 96-93 all-time against Stanford…right-hander Darin Gillies was responsible for two runs, including one earned, on three hits in one inning of work.
Up Next
The Sun Devils take on Stanford in game two of its three-game series on Saturday, March 28, at 6:30 p.m. at Phoenix Muni. The game will be live streamed via thesundevils.com and broadcast by NBC Sports Radio AM 1060 with Tim Healey and Seth Dhaenens on the call.
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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