PHOENIX – Freshman left-hander Zach Dixon tossed a three-hit, complete-game shutout in his first career start to lead Sun Devil Baseball to a 4-0 series-clinching win against No. 15 Cal on Sunday at Phoenix Municipal Stadium.
Dixon (1-0) entered the game with just one inning in two appearances in his first season at Arizona State and overpowered the Bears (21-11, 9-6), who came into the afternoon as the top hitting and top run-scoring team in Pac-12 play, and in the top three in the conference in nearly every major offensive category.
He struck out seven on 115 pitches, including 70 for strikes, and allowed just two Bears to get into scoring position and seven total base runners on three hits, three walks and a hit batter.
The Sun Devils (20-13, 6-9) put up three runs in the second inning and added one in the eighth to secure their fifth series win of the season and their third victory in the past four games.
A leadoff single through the left side by catcher Brian Serven and a sacrifice fly to left field by second baseman Andrew Snow bookended a three-run second inning for the Devils and staked the home team a 3-0 lead. Designated hitter Sebastian Zawada followed Serven’s base hit with one of his own and first baseman Zach Cerbo reached on a throwing error to load the bases for center fielder Daniel Williams, who drove in the first run of the game with a single. Right fielder Gage Canning drew a bases-loaded walk in the next at-bat and Snow capped the inning with his second RBI in his past four at-bats.
The Sun Devils’ defense made a number of plays behind Dixon, including a leaping catch at the wall by Canning for the second out of the inning in the fourth, a double-play in the fifth, and a long throw by third baseman David Greer from deep behind the third-base bag.
Dixon put together three perfect innings and retired 10 of the final 11 batters he faced. The only two base runners to get into scoring position both reached in the fourth as Dixon conceded a single and a walk in consecutive at-bats before a fielding error on Snow loaded the bases with two outs. However, Dixon issued a swinging strikeout to end the frame and strand all three Bears.
Serven extended the Devils’ advantage, 4-0, with a bases-loaded single in the bottom of the eighth. Consecutive one-out singles by Snow and Greer led Cal to intentionally walk shortstop Colby Woodmansee and bring Serven to the plate.
Notes: ASU moved to 68-58 against ranked opponents since 2010…ASU moved to 16-2 this season when scoring first…ASU turned one double play today and has turned six double plays in four games this week after turning 12 in the first 29 games of the season…Cerbo made his first career start at first base…ASU moved to 12-5 in three-game series’ against Cal since 2000.
Up Next
The Devils play four games next week, including a Tuesday night non-conference matchup with UNLV and a three-game Pac-12 set at Stanford. Tuesday’s game is set for a 6:30 p.m. start and will be live streamed via thesundevils.com. Friday night’s series opener starts 6 p.m., while Saturday and Sunday are slated for 2 p.m. and 1 p.m., respectively. All four games will be 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.