PHOENIX -- An early lead and late threat weren’t enough as Sun Devil Baseball fell to USC, 6-2, on Saturday night at Phoenix Municipal Stadium.
David Greer drew a career-high four walks in the contest - becoming the first Sun Devil to do so since Dalton DiNitale in 2013 - and scored both runs for ASU (adding a single in his lone at bat) to lead the way for the Devils but his efforts were not quite enough as ASU couldn’t get the breakthrough hit it needed, stranding 10 runners in the loss.
Starting right-hander Jordan Aboites went a career-high 7 2/3 innings, but was responsible for all six runs and took just his second loss of the season. Aboites had a season-best seven strikeouts to just two walks and had an otherwise solid outing that was undone by a two-run home run in the fifth and a two-run triple in the eighth.
The Sun Devils (34-20, 16-13) wasted no time, quickly going up 1-0 in the bottom of the first. Greer singled, advanced to second on a passed ball and came home on a double by center fielder Andrew Shaps.
ASU took advantage of walks in the third inning, using a walk, single and sacrifice fly to extend their lead to two runs.
The Trojans (27-28, 14-15) got on the board with a run in the fourth inning, using two singles and a sacrifice fly. USC followed a one-out single with a two-run home run to take a 3-2 lead in the fifth – a lead it would not relinquish.
USC would tack on three more unanswered runs in the eighth, taking advantage of a lead-off walk with a sacrifice bunt to move into scoring position, followed by an intentional walk, single and triple to command a 6-2 lead.
Left-hander Connor Higgins took over for Aboites with two outs in the eighth inning, using just three pitches to end the inning with a strikeout. Higgins came back out and pitched a perfect ninth, throwing 1 ⅓ innings with one strikeout.
Despite earning a walk in four of the five final innings, ASU could not take advantage of the free passes in the latter half. The Devils looked to have a rally going in the bottom of the eighth as Shaps and Brian Serven led off with back-to-back singles, but a tough strikeout call and a double play ended the threat and effectively shut down ASU’s comeback efforts.
Notes - All five of ASU’s hits came from the 2 through 5 hitters, led by Andrew Shaps’ 2-for-4 effort…David Greer’s four walks were a career best and most for a Sun Devil this season, ahead of Zach Cerbo’s three-walk effort against Washington State on April 2.
Up Next - The Devils will look to come out on top in the rubber match against USC on Sunday, May 29, at 2 p.m. The game 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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2016 NCAA Baseball Championship Information
The deadline for season ticket holders to assure seats for the Regional and Super Regional, is Sunday, May 29 at 5 p.m. Fax the PDF here to 480-965-6006 or drop off at Phoenix Muni Ticket Office during this weekend’s games with USC. Orders will not be processed until the Regional host sites are announced at 5:30 pm PT on Sunday, May 29.
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.
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.