PHOENIX – Ninth-ranked Sun Devil Baseball dropped its series opener against No. 2 UCLA, 9-0, on Friday night at Phoenix Municipal Stadium.
The Bruins (35-11, 17-5) took an early lead with two runs in the top of the second inning and added seven runs, including a four-run sixth. UCLA starting right-hander James Kaprielian (9-4) tossed seven scoreless innings to pick up the win as he scattered five hits and a walk.
Arizona State trailed by four runs in the bottom of the fourth inning and threatened with three singles in the frame. However, a leadoff hit by shortstop Colby Woodmansee was erased as he was picked off at first, and two fly balls stranded third baseman David Greer and right fielder Trever Allen to keep the Sun Devils (29-16, 14-8) off the board.
UCLA third baseman Chris Keck opened the second inning with a double and scored two batters later on a triple from right fielder Kort Peterson, and second baseman Trent Chatterton added a sacrifice fly. Keck led off the fourth inning with a solo home run over the right-field fence to extend UCLA’s lead, 3-0.
Starting right-hander Seth Martinez (2-1) retired the first two batters in the top of the sixth inning, but UCLA scored four unearned runs as the Devils made three errors with two outs. Second baseman Andrew Snow dropped a foul ball and left fielder Brett Stephens drove the next pitch up the middle for a RBI single. Greer made a throwing error on the play as he attempted to get Stephens out at second and center fielder Christoph Bono scored from third for the second run of the inning. Shortstop Kevin Kramer followed with a RBI single to right field that slipped underneath the glove of Allen and Kramer came all the way home to put the Bruins ahead, 8-0.
Martinez took his first career loss as he was responsible for six runs, including four earned, on 10 hits in 5 2/3 innings. He was lifted in the sixth inning after he conceded a pair of two-out singles.
Freshman right-hander Ryan Hingst allowed one run on three hits and struck out a pair in 3 1/3 relief innings. He took over with two outs in the sixth inning and induced a groundout on his first pitch, and threw a perfect eighth inning.
Up Next
The Sun Devils host No. 2 UCLA on May 9 for the second game of the teams’ three-game set at Phoenix Muni. First pitch is set for 6:30 p.m., and will be streamed live via thesundevils.com and broadcast on NBC Sports Radio AM 1060.
Saturday’s Pitching Matchup
UCLA: LHP Grant Watson (7-4, 1.90 ERA)
ASU: LHP Ryan Kellogg (7-1, 3.76 ERA)
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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