PHOENIX – Starting left-hander Brett Lilek turned in a masterful performance, but a two-run homer by Arizona in the ninth inning led to a 7-2 loss for No. 4 Sun Devil Baseball on Monday in front of 3,301 fans at Phoenix Municipal Stadium.
The Sun Devils (23-10, 11-4) took a 2-1 lead into the ninth inning, but Bobby Dalbec drove a two-run homer, his second of the game, over the left-field fence to plate the go-ahead runs and open a six-run rally in the final frame.
Lilek did not allow a hit nor let a runner reach second base in five consecutive scoreless innings after he conceded a solo home run to lead off the second frame. He retired seven batters at one point, including striking out the side in the fifth, and gave up just three hits and three walks, and struck out five.
A total of 14,050 fans attended Phoenix Muni for the three-game Territorial Cup series and a total of 82,043 fans have attended Muni this season, the 10th-highest mark in the nation and the most on the West Coast.
Dalbec, who started the game on the mound, led off the second inning with a solo home run to give the Wildcats (23-11, 8-7) the lead, 1-0, for the first time in the past 14 innings of the series. Dalbec conceded five hits and struck out four in 4 1/3 shutout innings before he moved to designated hitter. He went 2-for-4 at the plate with three RBI, three runs scored and two home runs.
ASU catcher Brian Serven scored the tying run in the bottom of the sixth after he led off with a double, moved to third on a groundout and came home on first baseman Joey Bielek’s sacrifice fly. The Devils took the lead in the ensuing inning on a bases-loaded walk to Serven following singles from second baseman Andrew Snow and center fielder Johnny Sewald, and a walk by shortstop Colby Woodmansee.
Right-hander Ryan Burr (6-1), who entered the game in the eighth inning, was responsible for six runs in the ninth to take his first loss of the season.
UA plated six runs on five hits and four walks in the ninth as they sent 12 batters to the plate. The Devils used three pitchers in the inning, including Burr, and right-handers Jordan Aboites and David Graybill.
ASU holds a 2-1 lead in the five-game Territorial Cup baseball series and currently leads the overall Territorial Cup standings, 7.5-5.5, with seven sports still undecided.
Notes
Greer is currently on a 12-game hitting streak and has a hit in 21 of the past 22 games…the Devils turned three double plays to tie a season high…ASU used three pitchers in the ninth inning and allowed six hits, four walks and six runs in the inning.
Up Next
The Sun Devils travel to Seattle to take on Washington for a three-game series April 17-19. First pitch on Friday is set for 7 p.m., while Saturday and Sunday’s games will start at 7:30 p.m. and 1 p.m., respectively. All three games will be televised on the Pac-12 Networks and broadcast on 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. Family Four Packs are available for all home mid-week and Sunday games. 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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