By Ross Dunham,
Media Relations Assistant
PHOENIX – Sixth-ranked Sun Devil Baseball extended its winning streak to four with a victory against New Mexico State, 7-3, in a midweek non-conference matchup at Phoenix Municipal Stadium on Tuesday night.
The Sun Devils (19-7) have won nine of their past 10 heading into a Pac-12 series against Utah, April 2-4, in Salt Lake City.
Right fielder Trever Allen and shortstop Colby Woodmansee each recorded a home run for Arizona State, and right-hander David Graybill, in his first career start, struck out four in three scoreless innings to set the tone for the win.
Allen, the two-time reigning home run leader for the Devils, hit a three-run shot in the bottom of the sixth for his first homer of the season, and Woodmansee’s two-run homer in the first added to his team-high 20 RBI this season.
Six ASU pitchers combined to strike out a season-high 15 Aggies and they allowed just two earned runs on five hits. Graybill entered the game on a pitch count and was replaced by fellow right-hander Ryan Hingst (2-1), who struck out five in just 2 1/3 innings to pick up the win over NMSU.
It didn’t take too long for the Sun Devils to jump ahead of the Aggies (4-21-1). Center fielder Johnny Sewald reached second after a leadoff walk and a stolen base, and Woodmansee jumped on the first pitch he saw and sent it over the fence in left center to give ASU the early 2-0 lead in the first inning.
New Mexico State tied the game up at two in the top of the fourth after a pair of RBI singles off ASU’s left-handed reliever Tucker Baca before Hingst came in and shut the door on the inning with a swinging strikeout.
ASU eventually regained the lead in the fifth after left fielder Coltin Gerhart knocked home first baseman Joey Bielek, who tripled to lead off the inning.
The Devils plated four more in the next frame, including three off of Allen’s homer and one when second baseman Andrew Snow hit a sacrifice fly to right field, to extend the lead to five, 7-2.
New Mexico State sent five hitters up to the plate in the ninth, but mustered just one run off the tandem of Andrew Shaps and Eder Erives, who eventually closed the game out. Shaps struck out a career-high four in 1 1/3 innings of work.
Notes
Allen’s home run was the first by an ASU outfielder this season…the Devils have hit four runs in their past two games…third baseman David Greer tied his career high with three hits…Woodmansee notched his 12th multi-hit of the game of the season and his sixth multi-RBI game.
Up Next
The Sun Devils head to Salt Lake City on Wednesday for a three-game series with Utah April 2-4. ASU takes on the Utes on Thursday and Friday at 5 p.m. PT, and on Sunday at 4 p.m. PT. All three games in Utah will be televised by the Pac-12 Networks.
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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