BERKELEY, Calif. – A four-run eighth inning led to an 8-6 win for No. 13 California as No. 6 Sun Devil Baseball lost its first Pac-12 series of the season on Sunday at Evans Diamond in Berkeley, Calif.
Second baseman Jordan Aboites opened the eighth inning with a home run to push Arizona State’s lead to a pair, 6-4, but the Golden Bears (29-15, 15-9) responded with four two-out runs in the bottom half of the frame to send the Sun Devils (29-15, 14-7) to their second consecutive loss.
Right-hander Eder Erives hit the first batter in the eighth inning and coerced a pop-up before he was replaced by right-hander Darin Gillies (2-4), who induced a fly ball to center field for the second out of the inning. Cal then tallied four consecutive hits, including a two-run triple by center fielder Aaron Knapp, to take a two-run lead into the final frame.
Aboites hit his first career home run and laid down a pair of sacrifice bunts that led to eventual runs as he made his first career start at third base. Center fielder Johnny Sewald reached base five times, including a pair of singles, and has reached base in a team-high 26 consecutive games.
There were three lead changes through the first two innings, highlighted by a three-run second that staked the Devils a 4-2 advantage.
A leadoff single by Sewald and a two-out RBI single by third baseman David Greer bookend the opening frame as ASU took a 1-0 lead. The Bears countered with two runs in the bottom half on a pair of singles and a double to move back ahead, 2-1.
Right fielder Trever Allen began the Devils three-run second inning with a double, moved to third on a sacrifice bunt by Aboites, and came home on a RBI single from left fielder Jake Peevyhouse to tie the game at two runs apiece. Sewald added a single before a fly ball from Snow set the stage for shortstop Colby Woodmansee and catcher Brian Serven, who notched back-to-back two-out base hits to push ASU ahead by a pair.
Cal knotted the game at four runs apiece as they drove in a run in the third and fifth innings behind third baseman Lucas Erceg and right fielder Devin Pearson, respectively. Erceg’s RBI double in the third brought the Bears within one and Pearson’s solo home run in the fifth dropped over the wall just past Peevyhouse’s glove to for the fourth tie of the afternoon.
Snow put the Devils back on top in the sixth inning, 5-4, with a sacrifice fly to center field. Allen singled and advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt by Aboites before consecutive walks loaded the bases for Snow.
Starting left-hander Brett Lilek took a no-decision as he scattered four runs on eight hits and struck out a pair in five innings, and did not walk a batter for the first time this season.
Cal right-hander Dylan Nelson (2-1) pitched the eighth inning to earn the win and Erceg (1) notched the save with a perfect ninth. Starting left-hander Matt Ladrech was chased with two outs in the second inning and allowed four runs on seven hits.
Up Next
The Sun Devils host No. 2 UCLA at Phoenix Muni May 8-10. First pitch on Friday and Saturday is set for 6:30 p.m., which Sunday slated for a 12:30 p.m. start. All three games will be streamed live via thesundevils.com and broadcast on NBC Sports Radio AM 1060.
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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.
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