PHOENIX – A two-run first inning set the tone for No. 5 Sun Devil Baseball and an 11-run fifth inning sealed the win as they took down Tennessee Tech, 16-4, in the series finale on Sunday at Phoenix Municipal Stadium.
The Sun Devils (28-12) have won nine three-game series’ this season, which matches their series-win total in both 2014 and 2013, and ASU has four series’ still to play in 2015.
Arizona State tallied 11 runs on nine hits in the fifth inning as they sent 15 batters to the plate. They batted around in the frame before they recorded their first out and scored the most runs in an inning since they plated 13 in the ninth inning against Arizona on April 29, 2009.
ASU’s 16 runs were the most since a 16-3 win against Valparaiso on April 19, 2013, and its 12-run win was its largest margin of victory this season. The Devils notched 16 RBI in the game, the most since they recorded 16 against Utah on May 5, 2012, and they set season highs with 18 hits, 27 total bases and seven doubles.
Eight different Devils drove in a run, 11 Sun Devils recorded a hit and 11 scored a run. Catcher Brian Serven led the offensive outburst with a career-high six RBI and went 3-for-4 with two runs scored before he was taken out in the fifth inning. Designated hitter RJ Ybarra added two doubles and a pair of RBI, and shortstop Colby Woodmansee went 2-for-3 with three runs scored.
Starting left-hander Brett Lilek (3-2) struck out five in five scoreless innings en route to his third win of the season. He gave up four hits and a walk, but stranded four runners on base and allowed just two to reach second base.
ASU struck twice in the first inning with two outs to take a two-run lead. Serven drove in the first run of the game with a single to left field after Woodmansee walked to begin the rally and third baseman David Greer followed with a RBI triple to the wall.
Serven extended the Devils’ lead to four with a two-run single in the bottom of the third and left fielder Jake Peevyhouse added a two-out RBI single in the following inning to put ASU ahead, 5-0.
The Devils jumped on TTU for 11 runs in the bottom of the fifth inning as the first 10 batters in the frame reached base safely. First baseman Joey Bielek opened the scoring with a RBI single to right-center field, right fielder Trever Allen cleared the bases with a two-run double, and Ybarra followed with a RBI double to left-center field. Second baseman Andrew Snow capped a 10-pitch at-bat with a RBI single, center fielder Johnny Sewald doubled, Woodmansee knocked a RBI single through the left side and Serven cleared the bases with a three-run double. Bielek added a sacrifice fly with one out, his second RBI of the inning, and Ybarra closed out the 11-run inning with his second RBI double in the frame.
Left-hander Andrew Shaps took over for Lilek in the sixth and allowed the Golden Eagles’ (20-21) first two runs of the game. He issued a pair of walks to open the frame, and a sacrifice fly and a wild pitch plated both runners.
Right-hander Hever Bueno pitched the seventh and conceded a walk, a two-run homer and a double before he was replaced by fellow right-hander Eder Erives, who struck out two and induced a groundout to end the inning. Freshman Tucker Baca and Grant Schneider pitched the eighth and ninth innings, respectively, and allowed just one combined base runner.
TTU starting right-hander Jacob Honea (0-2) allowed four runs on five hits in two innings to take the loss.
Notes
Greer has a hit in 26 of the past 29 games…Snow has a hit in 19 of the past 20 games…freshman outfielder Coltin Gerhart recorded his first career extra-base hit, a double, in the seventh inning…ASU has hit over .300 in each of its past nine games…the Devils were 23-17 through 40 games in 2014
Up Next
The Sun Devils head to Tucson to take on Arizona on April 28 for the fifth and final time this season. First pitch is at 6 p.m. and it will be televised on Pac-12 Networks and broadcast on NBC Sports Radio AM 1060. ASU then travels to Berkeley, Calif., for a three-game Pac-12 series with Cal May 1-3. First pitch on Friday is set for 7 p.m., with Saturday and Sunday slated for a 6 p.m. and 1 p.m. start. All three games will be 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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