PULLMAN, Wash. – A tie game midway through the fourth inning turned into a five-run deficit at the end of the frame and Sun Devil Baseball was unable to recover in a 9-3 loss to Washington State on Friday night at Bailey-Brayton Field in Pullman, Wash.
The Sun Devils (15-10, 2-6) responded to an early 2-0 hole with runs in both the third and fourth innings to knot the game, but the Cougars (9-15, 2-6) used eight baserunners in the bottom half of the fourth to score five and move ahead, 7-2.
Infielder David Greer and shortstop Colby Woodmansee each notched a pair of hits to remain tied for the team lead in multi-hit games with 11.
Starting right-hander Ryan Hingst (3-1) scattered six hits, four strikeouts, and three walks, and was responsible for four runs to take his first loss of the season as he worked into the fourth inning.
A pair of freshmen left-handers, Garvin Alston, Jr., and Connor Higgins, each tossed a scoreless inning in their first career Pac-12 appearances. The Devils used a total of five relievers in the game, including right-handers Eric Melbostad and Chris Isbell, and left-handers Tucker Baca, Alston, Jr., and HIggins.
The Cougars scored once in each of the first two innings to take an early 2-0 lead. They used a leadoff single in the opening frame, the first career hit Hingst has given up in Pac-12 play, and followed with a base hit and a sacrifice fly, and added two singles in the second.
ASU countered with runs in both the third and fourth frames to knot the game at two apiece. Third baseman Jordan Aboites put the Devils on the board in the third as he knocked a two-out double, his second in as many at-bats dating back to last night’s contest, advanced to third on a wild pitch and scored on a RBI base hit from second baseman Andrew Snow. Greer opened the fourth with a double to left-center field and center fielder Andrew Shaps plated him three batters later with a RBI single through the right side.
WSU tallied eight baseunners on five hits, including three doubles, and score five runs in the bottom of the fourth. Hingst allowed a walk and a single to open the frame and was replaced by Melbostad, who faced nine batters in the inning.
Greer’s second double of the game brought home right fielder Gage Canning, who reached on a fielding error, and advanced to third on a steal and a groundout, and moved the Devils to within four, 7-3.
The Cougars added two runs in the bottom of the seventh via a walk, two singles and a groundout off Isbell and Baca.
Notes: Greer leads the team with 37 hits and is tied for the team lead with 11 doubles…the Devils did not commit an error for the seventh game this season.
Up Next
The Devils close out their three-game set with Washington State at 1 p.m. in Pullman, Wash. The matchup will be televised on Pac-12 Network.
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.