TUCSON, Ariz. – An early two-run lead turned into an early three-run deficit and No. 6 Sun Devil Baseball never recovered in a 17-6 loss to Arizona in the final Territorial Cup Series game on Tuesday night at Hi Corbett Field in Tucson, Ariz.
The Sun Devils (28-13) opened the game with three hits before they recorded an out and held a two-run lead midway through the first inning before UA scored five in the bottom of the frame. The Wildcats (25-17) added 11 runs over the next five innings and never relinquished their lead.
Four Devils collected multiple hits as Arizona State hit over .300 for the 10th consecutive game. Center fielder Johnny Sewald recorded his second triple of the season and has reached base in a team-high 23 consecutive games, and third baseman David Greer tied his career with three hits and has a hit in 27 of the past 30 games.
ASU opened the game with three consecutive hits to take a 2-0 lead. Sewald singled and stole second, left fielder Jake Peevyhouse punctuated a 10-pitch at-bat with a RBI double to right field and shortstop Colby Woodmansee notched a base hit before Greer plated the second run of the frame with a RBI groundout.
The Wildcats used three singles, including a RBI base hit by third baseman Bobby Dalbec, and a grand slam by first baseman JJ Matijevic to respond with five runs in the bottom of the first and erase their early deficit.
Right fielder Trever Allen led off the second with a double to the wall in left-center field and scored three batters later on a fielding error. UA countered with three runs in the bottom half of the inning, however, to extend its lead to five, 8-3.
First baseman Joey Bielek drove in the Devils’ fourth run of the game with a sacrifice fly in the third inning. Sewald hit a leadoff triple in the seventh and pinch hitter Andrew Shaps plated him with a sacrifice fly, his first career RBI, for ASU’s fifth run of the game. The Devils added a run in the ninth as Greer doubled and came home on a run-scoring single by catcher Zach Cerbo.
UA scored one run in both the third and fourth innings, and used two home runs, including a three-run shot by third baseman Bobby Dalbec, in the fifth inning to push its advantage to 12. They added two runs in the sixth via a bases-loaded hit batter and a bases-loaded walk, and scored once in the eighth with a RBI single.
Seven pitchers made an appearance for the Devils and left-hander Tucker Baca was the only one with a scoreless outing. He gave up a leadoff triple in the seventh, but induced a pop fly to each of the next batters to end the inning unscathed.
Starting right-hander Ryan Hingst (3-2) issued a groundout to the leadoff batter in the bottom of the first before he conceded five hits and a walk to the next six Wildcats, and was replaced by left-hander Eli Lingos. Hingst was responsible for five runs on 22 pitches and took the loss.
UA starting right-hander Cody Hamlin allowed two runs on three hits in one inning before fellow right-hander Robby Medel took over. Medel (2-3) scattered eight runs and gave up three runs, including one earned, in 6 1/3 innings to record the win.
Notes
Woodmansee notched his team-high 19th multi-hit game of the season, and has a hit in 34 of ASU’s 41 games this season.
Up Next
The Sun Devils travel 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.
Join the conversation all season
Twitter: @ASU_Baseball | Facebook: Sun Devil Baseball | Instagram: ASU_Baseball