LONG BEACH, Calif. – Starting right-hander Seth Martinez turned in a dominant performance and a pair of three-run home runs powered the offense as Sun Devil Baseball defeated Long Beach State, 9-2, on Friday night in the largest margin of victory at Blair Field in program history.
Martinez (2-0) conceded just two hits across six innings and struck out five in his second straight win, and his no-hit bid was broken up with two outs and two strikes in the bottom of the fifth.
Three-run homers in consecutive innings from designated hitter Sebastian Zawada in the fourth and shortstop Colby Woodmansee in the fifth ignited Arizona State’s offense, which tallied a season-high 14 hits.
All nine Sun Devils (4-1) in the lineup recorded at least one hit to post nine runs on the Dirtbags (3-2), who had allowed just five combined runs in its previous four games this season. Second baseman Andrew Snow tied a career high with three hits and added a pair of RBI, and catcher Brian Serven went 3-for-5 and scored two runs to supplement Woodmansee and Zawada’s three-RBI nights.
Right-hander James Ryan (1) closed out the win with a three-inning save, the first of his career, He retired six of the first seven batters he faced before he conceded a single and a two-run homer with one out in the ninth, but recovered with back-to-back strikeouts to stifle Long Beach’s late charge.
Martinez, who allowed just two runners to reach second base, has not surrendered an earned run in 13 innings this season and has kept opponents off the board in eight straight frames dating back to the sixth inning of his start against Xavier Feb. 20.
Zawada broke open a scoreless tie in the fourth with a three-run shot over the wall in left field. First baseman David Greer led off the frame with a single and stole second, and Serven added a base hit two batters later to put runners on the corners for Zawada, whose first career home run for the Devils staked ASU a 3-0 lead.
Woodmansee doubled ASU’s advantage, 6-0, with a three-run homer of his own in the top of the fifth. Left fielder Daniel Williams and center fielder Andrew Shaps knocked in consecutive singles to set the stage for the second three-run home run in as many games for Woodmansee.
ASU added three runs in the ninth courtesy of a RBI groundout from right fielder Gage Canning and a two-run single by Snow.
LBSU starting right-hander Tanner Brown (1-1) took his first loss of the season as he gave up six runs on 11 hits in 4 2/3 innings.
Notes: Sun Devil Baseball legend Ken Landreaux attended the game…Woodmansee, Canning, D. Williams, and Greer have all registered at least one hit in each of the Devils’ first six games this season…Snow has multiple hits in four games…Serven caught his fifth runner stealing this season…ASU’s offense has notched double-digit hits in four games this season…Woodmansee has multiple RBI in four of the team’s first six games this season…Ryan has not allowed a run in 4.1 innings across two appearances this season.
Up Next
The Devils take on Long Beach State in game two of its three-game series on Saturday at 3 p.m. (AZ). ASU’s student radio, The Blaze, will have the call at http://www.ustream.tv/channel/blaze-sports-2.
Saturday’s Pitching Matchup
ASU: LHP Eli Lingos (1-0, 3.38 ERA)
LBSU: RHP Chris Mathewson (0-1, 4.50 ERA)
Join the conversation all season
Twitter: @ASU_Baseball | Facebook: Sun Devil Baseball | Instagram: ASU_Baseball
2016 Season Tickets
Sun Devil Baseball season tickets are on sale now, and fans can purchase by calling 480-965-5812 or click here for a direct link to purchase.
5-Game Mini Plans
This plan allows fans to choose five (5) games in the 2016 season to create their own customized schedule. Click here for a direct link to purchase.
Flex Plans
This plan gives fans the ultimate flexibility with nine (9) vouchers redeemable for tickets to any home game. Fans can use all nine tickets at one game, or one ticket at nine different games; simply present your voucher to the ticket office whenever you decide to attend. Tickets are at a 46 percent discount and in the Infield Reserved Seating sections. Click here for a direct link to purchase.
Single-Game Tickets
Single-game tickets for the team’s non-conference slate are on sale now. Call 480-727-0000 or click here for a direct link to purchase.
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.