By Ross Dunham, Sun Devil Athletics Media Relations Assistant
PHOENIX – Five different players recorded an RBI as No. 17 Sun Devil Baseball knocked off Long Beach State, 9-3, in the series rubber match in front of 2,582 fans at Phoenix Municipal Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
Third baseman David Greer had a career day, going 2-for-3 with three RBI. Designated hitter Brian Serven had himself another good game at the plate, with a double, a home run and two runs batted in against the Dirtbags (9-6).
Left-hander Brett Lilek (1-1) picked up his first win of the season for the Devils (9-5) as he allowed two runs on four hits over five innings of work and struck out five. Relievers Darin Gillies and Eder Erives combined for four innings of work, including three no-hit frames from Gillies, to close out Long Beach State.
The Sun Devils struck first in the second inning to take an early lead. Right fielder Trever Allen led the inning off with a single through the left side, and was knocked home from third base three batters later when Greer singled up the middle. Center fielder Johnny Sewald plated Serven on an RBI single to right field later in the frame to extend the lead to two.
Left fielder Jake Peevyhouse started off the bottom half of the third with a triple to left field and was promptly brought home on a Colby Woodmansee groundout to shortstop.
LBSU responded in the top of the fourth as it scored two on a single off the bat of left fielder Alex Bishop to pull within one. Lilek limited the damage in the inning, however, as he struck out the next two Dirtbag hitters to retire the side and keep the Devils’ lead intact, 3-2.
ASU would get one of those runs back in the bottom of the frame on Greer’s second RBI single of the ball game, which plated catcher Zach Cerbo and brought the lead back up to a pair.
Head coach Tracy Smith called upon Gillies in the sixth inning to relieve Lilek after the lefty gave up a leadoff double. Gillies hit the first batter he faced, and then made a nice play on a bunt to get the lead runner out at third. He struck out the next hitter and induced an infield pop up to escape the inning and leave runners stranded at second and first. The right-hander went on to work two consecutive 1-2-3 innings in the seventh and eighth before he gave way to Erives for the final frame.
Serven added a bit of insurance in the sixth with a solo shot to left field – his first home run of the season. ASU plated four runs on one hit, three walks and two batters hit by pitches in the bottom of the eighth for a comfortable seven-run cushion heading into the ninth.
The Dirtbags were able to add a run off Erives, but one was all they would get off the right-handed reliever as ASU closed out the series, two games to one.
LBSU starter Chris Mathewson (1-2) gave up four earned runs on eight hits over his six innings of work to fall to 1-2 on the season.
Up Next
The Sun Devils host a midweek game against UNLV on Wednesday, March 11, at 6:30 p.m., before opening Pac-12 Conference play with a three-game series against two-time defending Pac-12 champion Oregon State. Friday’s game against the Beavers is set for a 6 p.m. start, while Saturday’s will begin at 6 p.m. and Sunday at 1 p.m. Both Saturday and Sunday’s games will be televised on the Pac-12 Networks, while Wednesday and Friday’s game will be live streamed via thesundevils.com. All three games will be broadcast on NBC Sports Radio AM 1060 with Tim Healey and Seth Dhaenens on the call.
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.
2015 Season Tickets
Season tickets are available now for the 2015 season at Phoenix Municipal Stadium. Tickets range from $99 for general admission to $375 for field reserved/infield box, and season parking passes cost $35. Click here to view the 2015 Sun Devil Baseball pricing map and click here to purchase tickets.
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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