PHOENIX – Sun Devil Baseball’s bats came alive early and right-hander Seth Martinez turned in his typical quality start to push Arizona State to a 6-4 series-opening win against No. 15 Cal on Friday night at Phoenix Municipal Stadium.
The Sun Devils (19-12, 5-8) tallied six runs in the first three innings, including four in the third, to take a 6-1 advantage and they never relinquished the lead behind Martinez’s strong outing.
Martinez (5-3) put together his eighth quality start of the season to pick up his fifth win of the year. He went seven innings and allowed just five hits, including four with two outs, two walks and two earned runs with five strikeouts.
Left fielder Tyler Williams led ASU’s offensive charge, which battered Cal starter Ryan Mason (5-2), who had given up just three earned runs in his past three starts, for five earned runs in the first three frames and knocked him out of the game after four innings.
Williams notched three extra-base hits, including a triple and two doubles, and added a RBI and a run scored. First baseman David Greer hit his second home run in as many games to move into a tie for the team lead with four, and designated hitter Ryan Lillard drove in a key two-run double in the third inning.
Right-hander Eder Erives (4) entered the game with a runner on third and the tying run at the plate in the eighth inning and issued an inning-ending fly ball to keep ASU’s two-run lead intact. He closed out the ninth on 16 pitches to secure his fourth save of the season.
The Bears (20-10, 8-5) struck first with a pair of two-out hits in the opening frame, including a RBI single from catcher Brett Cumberland, for an early 1-0 lead.
Center fielder Andrew Shaps led off the second with a single to get the Devils’ offense going and a pair of freshmen outfielders did the rest to give ASU a 2-1 lead. Williams brought home the team’s first run of the game with a RBI double to right-center field, and right fielder Gage Canning followed with a RBI single through the right side.
The Devils’ four-run third inning was bookended by a solo home run from Greer and a two-run double from Lillard. Shortstop Colby Woodmansee and Shaps drew consecutive walks before catcher Brian Serven drove a single into right field to bring home the lead runner. Lillard cleared the bases in the next at-bat with a two-run double and extended ASU’s lead to five, 6-1.
The Bears scored three unanswered runs, including a two-out solo home run in the sixth and two in the eighth, to pull within a pair, 6-4. A leadoff fielding error by Woodmansee extended the top of the eighth inning and prompted a pitching change for the Devils as left-hander Eli Lingos took over for Martinez. Lingos recorded two outs a walk, but was lifted after Robbie Tenerowicz drove a two-out, two-run double to left-center field.
Notes: Shaps has a hit in 11 of the past 12 games…Greer’s home run in the third inning was just the second home run Cal’s starter Ryan Mason has allowed in the past 153.2 innings he has pitched…ASU moved to 67-67 against ranked opponents since 2010.
Up Next
The Devils continue their three-game set with Cal on Saturday, April 16, at 12 p.m. at Phoenix Muni. The matchup will be televised on the Pac-12 Networks, and broadcast on NBC Sports Radio AM 1060 with Tim Healey and Max Rossiter on the call.
Join the conversation all season
Twitter: @ASU_Baseball | Facebook: Sun Devil Baseball | Instagram: ASU_Baseball
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.