STANFORD, Calif. – Catcher Brian Serven’s go-ahead solo home run in the 10th inning proved to be the difference in a game that featured six lead changes and ended in an eventual 8-7 victory in 10 innings against Stanford on Sunday at Sunken Diamond in Stanford, Calif.
The Sun Devils (23-14, 9-9) swept Stanford for the second consecutive season and on the road for the first time since 1997, and have won five of their past six Pac-12 games to move within 1.5 games of Utah and Washington at the top of the conference standings.
Stanford trailed by one, 7-6, and was down to its final out in the ninth inning, but a fielding error on Arizona State allowed the tying run to come home and sent the series finale into extra innings. Serven, however, quickly put ASU back on top as he drove the first pitch he faced in the 10th inning over the wall in left field.
Shortstop Colby Woodmansee launched a pair of two-run homers and tied his career-high with four RBI to pace the Devils’ offense, which picked up 10 extra-base hits, including six doubles, three home runs and a triple. Serven collected his third straight multi-hit game and upped his career home run tally against Stanford to four.
ASU used six relievers across the final six innings, highlighted by right-hander Jordan Aboites (3-1), who did not allow an earned run and conceded just three hits in three innings of work to pick up the win.
Starting left-hander Zach Dixon tossed a perfect frames on just 16 pitches to start his outing, but was responsible for six runs, including three earned, on six hits to the next 13 batters he faced and was replaced in the fifth inning.
A pair of freshmen at the bottom of the order gave the Devils a one-run lead in the top of the third as third baseman Jeremy McCuin led off with a double down the right-field line and right fielder Gage Canning followed with a RBI single, but a two-run homer by the Cardinal (19-15, 7-8) in the ensuing frame flipped the differential.
The teams exchanged runs in the fourth inning to keep Stanford ahead by one, 3-2. Center fielder Andrew Shaps capitalized on consecutive two-out walks by Serven and pinch hitter RJ Ybarra with a RBI double to center field, and the Cardinal added a solo home, its second home run of the day to left field.
Woodmansee put ASU back in the lead, 4-3, with his first two-run homer in the top of the fifth that plated second baseman Andrew Snow, who doubled earlier off the top of the outfield wall. However, a leadoff walk, an errant throw to first from Dixon, and a run-scoring single by the Cardinal in the bottom half of the fifth knotted the game at four runs apiece, and a two-out, two-run base hit three batters later capped Stanford’s three-run frame and put the Devils in a 6-4 hole.
ASU tallied a three-run inning of its own in the top of the seventh to retake the advantage, 7-6. Snow’s leadoff walk turned into a run in the next at-bat on a RBI double from first baseman David Greer, and Woodmansee followed with his second two-run homer, this time to left-center.
The Devils held a one-run lead heading into the bottom of the ninth, but a leadoff single, a sacrifice bunt and a groundout put a runner at third with one out to play. Aboites induced a ground ball that Snow mishandled and the error allowed the tying run to come home.
Notes: ASU’s 10 extra-base hits were its most since Feb. 20, 2010…ASU tied a season-high with six doubles...ASU’s three home runs were its most since it had three against Clemson in the first game of the 2015 NCAA Regional on May 29, 2015…Woodmansee notched his team-leading 10th multi-RBI game.
Up Next
The Devils host four games at Phoenix Muni, including a Tuesday night Territorial Cup Series matchup with Arizona on April 26 at 7 p.m., and a three-game non-conference set with New Mexico April 29-May 1. First pitch on Friday and Saturday is set for 6:30 p.m., and Sunday is slated for a 12:30 p.m. start. All four games will be broadcast on NBC Sports Radio AM 1060 with Tim Healey and Max Rossiter on the call, while Tuesday’s game will be televised on Pac-12 Networks and the three-game set with the Lobos will be streamed live via thesundevils.com.
Join the conversation all season
Twitter: @ASU_Baseball | Facebook: Sun Devil Baseball | Instagram: ASU_Baseball
Rick Monday Monday
Don’t miss the Rick Monday Monday ticket package. Beginning at midnight on Sunday, April 24 and running until midnight on Monday, April 25, fans can purchase four general admission tickets for $27 for Tuesday’s game against Arizona. This offer is available online at sundeviltickets.com, via phone at 480-965-5812 or in-person at the Sun Devil Ticket Office on the south side of Sun Devil Stadium.
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.