LOS ANGELES – First baseman David Greer put the Devils on top early with a two-run homer in the second at-bat of the game and starting right-hander Jordan Aboites kept UCLA in check across a career-long seven innings to clinch a series win at UCLA, 10-4, on Sunday at Jackie Robinson Stadium in Los Angeles.
The Sun Devils (33-19, 15-12) have won six straight three-game series’, including four consecutive Pac-12 road series’ for the first time since 1982. Arizona State currently sits two games back in the conference standings and closes out the regular season with a three-game home set with USC.
Greer tallied two extra-base hits, including a two-run homer and his Pac-12 leading 23rd double, and left fielder Ryan Lillard reached base five times on three walks, a single and a fielding error, stole three bases and scored two runs.
Aboites (6-1) picked up his third win in the past two weeks as he held the Bruins (25-28, 12-15) to just three runs on eight hits. He stranded five, including three in scoring position, in four scoreless frames between the third and sixth innings to keep the Devils’ lead intact.
Eder Erives (9) took over to start the eighth with a three-run advantage, and allowed just one hit and struck out two in the final two innings to earn his ninth save of the year.
Aboites and Erives each drove in a run in the ninth in their sole plate appearances of the day on a sacfrice fly and a single, respectively, and Erives improved to 2-for-3 from the plate with two RBI in the past two weeks.
Right fielder Gage Canning singled and stole second to lead off the game, and Greer followed with a two-run homer, his seventh of the season, to stake ASU a 2-0 first-inning advantage. A pair of singles from center fielder Andrew Shaps and catcher Brian Serven, and a walk by Lillard, loaded the bases with one out before second baseman Andrew Snow tacked on the third run of the frame with a sacrifice fly to center field.
The Bruins put two on with no outs in the second behind a walk and a single, but Aboites induced a double-play groundout and a fly ball to limit them to just one run.
Lillard pushed the Devils’ advantage back to three, 4-1, as he drew a four-pitch walk to open the third, stole second, advanced to third on a groundout, and came home on a sacrifice fly from third baseman Jeremy McCuin.
A two-run fifth inning stretched ASU’s lead to five. Serven’s infield single preceded three consecutive walks, including a bases-loaded free pass to designated hitter Tyler Williams and a run-scoring double-play groundout from McCuin.
UCLA opened the bottom of the seventh with a single and a triple, but Aboites issued three straight groundouts to end the potential rally and preserve ASU’s 6-3 lead.
ASU added four runs in the ninth inning for a commanding 10-3 advantage. A fielding error on a ball down the right-field line from Lillard brought home the first run of the frame, two more scored on a pair of RBI from the Devils’ two pitchers on the day, and Canning capped the final inning with a RBI triple.
Up Next
The Devils close out the 2016 regular season with a three-game home series against USC May 27-29 First pitch on Friday and Saturday is set for 7 pm, with Sunday’s finale at 2 pm. All three games will be televised by Pac-12 Networks and broadcast on NBC Sports Radio AM 1060 with Tim Healey and Max Rossiter on the call.
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Fan Appreciation Celebration
Head Coach Tracy Smith and the Sun Devil Baseball program thank you for joining us this season at Phoenix Municipal Stadium. Your support, from our victory against Xavier on Opening Night in February to our consecutive walk-off wins vs. Oregon a couple weeks ago, has been a key part of our success in 2016. Please join Coach Smith and rest of the team at Phoenix Muni after the regular season finale against USC on Sunday, May 29 for our Fan Appreciation Celebration including food, refreshments, a raffle and more in the left-field picnic area.
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.