PHOENIX – Starting left-hander Brett Lilek tossed his first career complete game to power No. 9 Sun Devil Baseball to a victory against No. 2 UCLA, 2-1, in the series finale on Sunday at Phoenix Municipal Stadium.
Lilek (4-2) did not give up an earned run in the longest outing of his career and allowed just five base runners on three hits, a walk and a hit batter. He retired the first 14 batters of the game before his no-hit bid was broken up with a two-out single in the fifth inning. His seven strikeouts tied a season-high as he threw 68 of his 108 pitches for strikes.
The Sun Devils (30-17, 15-9) notched their nation-leading 53rd consecutive 30-win season to continue a streak that began in 1963. It is two more than the next closest Div. I team, Florida State, and Arizona State has had just one losing season in the program’s 57 years.
Center fielder Johnny Sewald drove in both of ASU’s runs with a single in the fifth and a double in the seventh, and finished the weekend with seven hits, two runs and three RBI.
ASU took a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the fifth behind a double from designated hitter RJ Ybarra and a two-out RBI single from Sewald. The Devils added to their advantage in the seventh inning behind a leadoff walk, a single by second baseman Andrew Snow and a RBI double by Sewald to right field.
The Bruins (36-12, 18-6) cut ASU’s lead in half, 2-1, with an unearned run in the top of the eighth. Shortstop Kevin Kramer followed a hit batter with a two-out single that slipped under the glove of left fielder Andrew Shaps and allowed both runners to move into scoring position. Left fielder Ty Moore grounded out to ASU shortstop Colby Woodmansee in the next at-bat, but the lead runner scored from third before Woodmansee was able to throw Kramer out at second base.
UCLA starting left-hander Hunter Virant (0-1) was lifted in the fifth inning after he gave up a one-out double that resulted in the first run of the game. He was responsible for one run on three hits in 4 1/3 innings in the loss.
Notes
The Devils notched their 11th win over a ranked opponent, including their fourth over a top-five team…ASU moved to 15-6 in one-run games this season, including 9-3 in Pac-12 play...ASU is 22-6 when leading after six innings and 22-2 when leading after eight…Phoenix Muni has drawn 98,482 fans this season.
Up Next
The Sun Devils head to Albuquerque, N.M., for a midweek game with New Mexico on May 12 at 5 p.m. PT, before heading home for the final three-game Pac-12 series of the season vs. Washington State May 14-16. First pitch on Thursday is set for 7 p.m., with Friday slated for a 4 p.m. start and Saturday at 7 p.m. All three homes will be televised by the Pac-12 Networks and broadcast on NBC Sports Radio AM 1060.
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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