TEMPE – Sun Devil Baseball split its second doubleheader in as many days to open the 2018 campaign, earning a run-rule victory in seven innings to start the day before falling in the series finale.
Drew Swift continued his incredible start in a Sun Devil uniform as he was 3-for-3 over the course of the doubleheader with four walks and was hit by two pitches as he reached base all 9 times he stepped to plate on the day.
Gage Canning continued to look in midseason form, going 4-for-7 on the day with a double and four RBIs. Spencer Torkelson had another home run – the third of his young career and of opening weekend – as he finished the weekend with a team-best 5 RBIs.
Boyd Vander Kooi showed no signs of nerves in his first career collegiate start as he finished the outing allowing one unearned run over seven innings, striking out five while using just 83 pitches. Vander Kooi earned the complete game victory after the Sun Devils captured a 11-1 lead, putting the 10-run rule after seven innings.
Next up, the Sun Devils get back into action Wednesday, Feb. 21 at 1 p.m. MST when they take on the Arizona Diamondbacks in an exhibition matchup in Scottsdale. ASU returns to Phoenix Muni next weekend against St Mary's for a three-game series beginning Friday, Feb. 23 at 6:30 p.m. AZT.
Game 1 Recap: Arizona State 11, Miami (OH) 1
PHOENIX, Ariz. -- The Arizona State Sun Devil baseball team run-ruled Miami (OH), 11-1, in seven innings Sunday morning in Game 1 of its doubleheader at Phoenix Municipal Stadium.
The Sun Devil offense didn't need a jumpstart, despite the early 10 a.m. start time. ASU (2-1) quickly plated two runs in the bottom of the first inning to take the lead, which it held onto for the remainder of the game.
The productive bottom half of the first began when sophomore centerfielder Hunter Bishop drew a walk. He then stole second with two outs to put himself in scoring position.
Sophomore catcher Lyle Lin then roped a line drive to right field to drive in Bishop. First baseman Spencer Torkelson then walked and freshman left fielder Trevor Hauver knocked an RBI single to right — his first career hit — to give the Sun Devils a 2-0 lead.
The Sun Devils increased their lead to 3-1 in the bottom of the third inning, thanks to a solo home run from Torkelson. The freshman phenom now has an impressive three home runs in only three games so far in the young season. Torkelson finished the game 2-for-3 at the plate with a walk.
Freshman right-handed pitcher Boyd Vander Kooi also dazzled in his collegiate debut, tossing an absolute gem. His five-hit, one-run (unearned), complete-game effort helped ASU seal the victory. He also fanned five batters in seven innings pitched.
Vander Kooi started the game with four straight outs, two of which were strikeouts. Although he was dominant the whole game, Vander Kooi's strongest stretch began in the fourth inning when the last two outs of the inning came off strikeouts.
He then retired the next six batters over the course of the fifth and sixth innings. The first hitter in the top of the seventh led off the inning with a bunt for a single, but was quickly thrown out on a 6-4-3 double play. Vander Kooi then retired the next hitter to end the inning.
The Sun Devil bats came alive again in the sixth and seventh innings, plating two runs in the sixth and five in the seventh.
Junior right fielder Gage Canning knocked a two-run single to left to score freshman shortstop Drew Swift and freshman designated hitter Scott Mehan in the bottom of the sixth to give ASU a 6-1 advantage.
In the bottom of the seventh inning, Hauver ripped a two-RBI double down the right-field line to score Torkelson and sophomore third baseman Carter Aldrete, giving the Sun Devils an 8-1 lead. Hauver finished the game with three RBIs.
Later in the inning, Swift singled to left to drive in Hauver. Junior second baseman Jeremy McCuin then ripped an RBI single to left field, which ultimately also scored the winning run as a result of an error by the Miami (OH) left fielder.
Game 2 Recap: Miami (OH) 16, ASU 8
Defensive slip-ups proved to be the difference in the final game of the series on Sunday at Phoenix Municipal Stadium as Sun Devil baseball drop 16-8 to Miami (OH).
Fielding errors came back to haunt the Sun Devils (2-2) as they did in the Season Opener, with two errors in the second leading to six unearned runs and a deficit that ASU couldn't come back from as Miami (OH) split the weekend series.
Junior Gage Canning was again a bright spot for the Sun Devils as he took advantage of each of his plate appearances, providing a 3-for-3 game with two RBIs and a walk. Canning's performance could not go unnoticed as he finished the weekend series 9-for-16.
The Sun Devils started things off quickly as Lyle Lin drove a ball through the left side in the bottom of the first to take an early 1-0 lead. Miami (OH) had a quick start themselves, overtaking the game early, 8-1 in the second with five of those runs coming unearned behind a pair of ASU miscues and ultimately never relinquishing the lead the rest of the game.
Trailing 9-1 at one point, ASU was able to pick away at the RedHawk lead and cut the game to 9-6 in the bottom of the sixth when three passed balls found the backdrop allowing three different Devils to score before Miami (OH) eventually pulled away down the stretch for the victory.
Spencer Torkelson gave hope back to the Sun Devils in the eighth when he struck one to center for an RBI double, but the RedHawks would do what they had all game, closing with four unanswered runs.
Torkelson had another game for himself for the second consecutive outing, roping two doubles to center field to cap off a 2-for-5 day. Torkelson gave fans something to be happy about for the coming season, as he showcased his power in style ending the weekend with a team-leading three home runs and five RBI.
Join the conversation all season
Twitter: @ASU_Baseball | Facebook: Sun Devil Baseball | Instagram: ASU_Baseball
SEASON TICKETS
2018 Sun Devil Baseball season tickets are now available starting at $115. To purchase season tickets, click here or call our VIP tickets line at (480) 965-5812.
If you are a current season ticket holder and have questions, call the VIP service line at 480-965-5333.
Season Ticket Holder Benefits
As a season ticket holder, you get several exclusive benefits:
Can't make it to the full 34-game slate? Come see your Sun Devils with a mini plan, and choose the option that best fits your needs! Grab the traditional six-game plan where you pick the games you want to attend, or enjoy the ultimate flexibility with a nine-game flex plan which offers nine vouchers to use however you would like. Use them for nine separate games or use them all at one game, the choice is yours! Plans start at just $30!
PREMIUM SEATING
Phoenix Muni party suites provide amenities unlike any other area designed to enhance your game day experience. A private suite is a great way to entertain family and friends, and business associates while experiencing Sun Devil Baseball from the best seats in the house. Escape the Arizona heat and enjoy mingling inside while watching Sun Devil Baseball outside. Limited availability!
VIEW more information on single game suites, or if you would like to tour one of the suites, please contact Joe Jerde, Manager of Premium Seating at 480-727-3511 or via email at Joseph.Jerde@asu.edu.
GROUP TICKETS
You are ASU and that's why we invite you to come out and enjoy a Sun Devil Athletics event with your group. Groups can take advantage of discounts, benefits, tailgates, and fundraising opportunities. Group packages provide you possibilities to help plan the perfect outing. Bring your family, friends, co-workers, or organization to cheer on the Sun Devils. CLICK HERE for more information!
SINGLE GAME TICKETS
Tickets for all non-conference games of the 2018 season are now on sale. Come enjoy the atmosphere of Phoenix Muni as the Sun Devils take on some of the best teams in the country, highlighted by series against Oklahoma State and Cal State Fullerton. Get your tickets today!
Be sure to check back Feb. 15 for conference game tickets, featuring some of the heavy hitters of the Pac-12.
Drew Swift continued his incredible start in a Sun Devil uniform as he was 3-for-3 over the course of the doubleheader with four walks and was hit by two pitches as he reached base all 9 times he stepped to plate on the day.
Gage Canning continued to look in midseason form, going 4-for-7 on the day with a double and four RBIs. Spencer Torkelson had another home run – the third of his young career and of opening weekend – as he finished the weekend with a team-best 5 RBIs.
Boyd Vander Kooi showed no signs of nerves in his first career collegiate start as he finished the outing allowing one unearned run over seven innings, striking out five while using just 83 pitches. Vander Kooi earned the complete game victory after the Sun Devils captured a 11-1 lead, putting the 10-run rule after seven innings.
Next up, the Sun Devils get back into action Wednesday, Feb. 21 at 1 p.m. MST when they take on the Arizona Diamondbacks in an exhibition matchup in Scottsdale. ASU returns to Phoenix Muni next weekend against St Mary's for a three-game series beginning Friday, Feb. 23 at 6:30 p.m. AZT.
Game 1 Recap: Arizona State 11, Miami (OH) 1
PHOENIX, Ariz. -- The Arizona State Sun Devil baseball team run-ruled Miami (OH), 11-1, in seven innings Sunday morning in Game 1 of its doubleheader at Phoenix Municipal Stadium.
The Sun Devil offense didn't need a jumpstart, despite the early 10 a.m. start time. ASU (2-1) quickly plated two runs in the bottom of the first inning to take the lead, which it held onto for the remainder of the game.
The productive bottom half of the first began when sophomore centerfielder Hunter Bishop drew a walk. He then stole second with two outs to put himself in scoring position.
Sophomore catcher Lyle Lin then roped a line drive to right field to drive in Bishop. First baseman Spencer Torkelson then walked and freshman left fielder Trevor Hauver knocked an RBI single to right — his first career hit — to give the Sun Devils a 2-0 lead.
The Sun Devils increased their lead to 3-1 in the bottom of the third inning, thanks to a solo home run from Torkelson. The freshman phenom now has an impressive three home runs in only three games so far in the young season. Torkelson finished the game 2-for-3 at the plate with a walk.
Freshman right-handed pitcher Boyd Vander Kooi also dazzled in his collegiate debut, tossing an absolute gem. His five-hit, one-run (unearned), complete-game effort helped ASU seal the victory. He also fanned five batters in seven innings pitched.
Vander Kooi started the game with four straight outs, two of which were strikeouts. Although he was dominant the whole game, Vander Kooi's strongest stretch began in the fourth inning when the last two outs of the inning came off strikeouts.
He then retired the next six batters over the course of the fifth and sixth innings. The first hitter in the top of the seventh led off the inning with a bunt for a single, but was quickly thrown out on a 6-4-3 double play. Vander Kooi then retired the next hitter to end the inning.
The Sun Devil bats came alive again in the sixth and seventh innings, plating two runs in the sixth and five in the seventh.
Junior right fielder Gage Canning knocked a two-run single to left to score freshman shortstop Drew Swift and freshman designated hitter Scott Mehan in the bottom of the sixth to give ASU a 6-1 advantage.
In the bottom of the seventh inning, Hauver ripped a two-RBI double down the right-field line to score Torkelson and sophomore third baseman Carter Aldrete, giving the Sun Devils an 8-1 lead. Hauver finished the game with three RBIs.
Later in the inning, Swift singled to left to drive in Hauver. Junior second baseman Jeremy McCuin then ripped an RBI single to left field, which ultimately also scored the winning run as a result of an error by the Miami (OH) left fielder.
Game 2 Recap: Miami (OH) 16, ASU 8
Defensive slip-ups proved to be the difference in the final game of the series on Sunday at Phoenix Municipal Stadium as Sun Devil baseball drop 16-8 to Miami (OH).
Fielding errors came back to haunt the Sun Devils (2-2) as they did in the Season Opener, with two errors in the second leading to six unearned runs and a deficit that ASU couldn't come back from as Miami (OH) split the weekend series.
Junior Gage Canning was again a bright spot for the Sun Devils as he took advantage of each of his plate appearances, providing a 3-for-3 game with two RBIs and a walk. Canning's performance could not go unnoticed as he finished the weekend series 9-for-16.
The Sun Devils started things off quickly as Lyle Lin drove a ball through the left side in the bottom of the first to take an early 1-0 lead. Miami (OH) had a quick start themselves, overtaking the game early, 8-1 in the second with five of those runs coming unearned behind a pair of ASU miscues and ultimately never relinquishing the lead the rest of the game.
Trailing 9-1 at one point, ASU was able to pick away at the RedHawk lead and cut the game to 9-6 in the bottom of the sixth when three passed balls found the backdrop allowing three different Devils to score before Miami (OH) eventually pulled away down the stretch for the victory.
Spencer Torkelson gave hope back to the Sun Devils in the eighth when he struck one to center for an RBI double, but the RedHawks would do what they had all game, closing with four unanswered runs.
Torkelson had another game for himself for the second consecutive outing, roping two doubles to center field to cap off a 2-for-5 day. Torkelson gave fans something to be happy about for the coming season, as he showcased his power in style ending the weekend with a team-leading three home runs and five RBI.
Join the conversation all season
Twitter: @ASU_Baseball | Facebook: Sun Devil Baseball | Instagram: ASU_Baseball
SEASON TICKETS
2018 Sun Devil Baseball season tickets are now available starting at $115. To purchase season tickets, click here or call our VIP tickets line at (480) 965-5812.
If you are a current season ticket holder and have questions, call the VIP service line at 480-965-5333.
Season Ticket Holder Benefits
As a season ticket holder, you get several exclusive benefits:
- Personal Service Representative
- Guaranteed the same seat for all home games
- Option to purchase season parking
- Priority on postseason tickets
- Access to exclusive Season Ticket Holder events and behind-the-scenes tours
- Ability to manage and renew your tickets online
Can't make it to the full 34-game slate? Come see your Sun Devils with a mini plan, and choose the option that best fits your needs! Grab the traditional six-game plan where you pick the games you want to attend, or enjoy the ultimate flexibility with a nine-game flex plan which offers nine vouchers to use however you would like. Use them for nine separate games or use them all at one game, the choice is yours! Plans start at just $30!
PREMIUM SEATING
Phoenix Muni party suites provide amenities unlike any other area designed to enhance your game day experience. A private suite is a great way to entertain family and friends, and business associates while experiencing Sun Devil Baseball from the best seats in the house. Escape the Arizona heat and enjoy mingling inside while watching Sun Devil Baseball outside. Limited availability!
VIEW more information on single game suites, or if you would like to tour one of the suites, please contact Joe Jerde, Manager of Premium Seating at 480-727-3511 or via email at Joseph.Jerde@asu.edu.
GROUP TICKETS
You are ASU and that's why we invite you to come out and enjoy a Sun Devil Athletics event with your group. Groups can take advantage of discounts, benefits, tailgates, and fundraising opportunities. Group packages provide you possibilities to help plan the perfect outing. Bring your family, friends, co-workers, or organization to cheer on the Sun Devils. CLICK HERE for more information!
SINGLE GAME TICKETS
Tickets for all non-conference games of the 2018 season are now on sale. Come enjoy the atmosphere of Phoenix Muni as the Sun Devils take on some of the best teams in the country, highlighted by series against Oklahoma State and Cal State Fullerton. Get your tickets today!
Be sure to check back Feb. 15 for conference game tickets, featuring some of the heavy hitters of the Pac-12.