by Tony Thai, Sun Devil Media Relations
#8 Michigan 5, Arizona State 0
PHOENIX – A tough night at the plate for the Sun Devil Baseball program overshadowed a quality start from freshman Cooper Benson in his debut as ASU fell to No. 8 Michigan Wolverines, 5-0, Saturday night at Phoenix Municipal Stadium - dropping the second game of their doubleheader.
Benson was unfazed by the bright lights and the Top-10 opponent, going 6.1 IP with just two earned runs allowed. The southpaw shook off some tough defensive lapses behind him to strike out eight in his debut while walking none.
Michigan got on the board first when Danny Zimmerman knocked a leadoff home run deep into the left field to give the Wolverines a 1-0 lead in the top of the third inning.
The Wolverines added another run to go up 2-0 after Zimmerman doubled and advanced to third on a throwing error by Trevor Hauver.
In the top of the 6th inning with a runner on third base, Bertran hit an RBI single to extend the Wolverine lead to 3-0.
The Wolverines would add two more runs in the ninth to pull away for the victory.
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Sun Devils were shut out for the first time this season. Michigan got the scoring going when Zimmerman hit a leadoff home run deep into the left-field in the top of the third inning.
ASU was not without its chances, stranding seven batters in the contest and going just 2-for-11 with runners on the base path.
THE TURNING POINT
In the bottom of the fifth inning with the Wolverines already up 2-0, the Sun Devils could not capitalize with runners on second and third and two consecutive pop-ups left them stranded.
ONE THROUGH NINE
First inning
Starter Cooper Benson, in his first game, got a quick 1-2-3 inning. Michigan also took the Sun Devils in order to end the first.
Second inning
Benson recorded another strikeout in the top of the second inning on the way to another 1-2-3 inning. At the bottom of the second inning with Trevor Hauver on base, Sam Ferri got the first hit of the game, a line-drive single by the shortstop. With runners on first base and third base, Myles Benson would strikeout to end the inning.
Third inning
Michigan got the scoring going, hitting a leadoff home run. Benson got two strikeouts and a nice catch by Drew Swift stopped the Wolverines from adding any more runs. Arizona State went down in order again.
Fourth inning
Benson recorded another strikeout and ASU's Trevor Hauver prevented Michigan's Matt Schmidt from a hit catching a fly ball by the warning track. Wolverines would not add any runs. The Sun Devils would be retired in 1-2-3 fashion again.
Fifth inning
The Wolverines added another run to go up 2-0 after a throwing error by Trevor Hauver that followed a double with a runner on first. The Sun Devils threatened with runners on second and third, but two popups in a row left them stranded.
Sixth inning
Jack Blomgren hit a leadoff double for the Wolverines into right-field and would advance to third after a pop out. Benson recorded his 7th K of the game. The next batter Michigan's Riley Bertran hit an RBI single to right-center field to extend the Wolverine's lead to 3-0. ASU catcher Sam Ferri would throw out Bertran when he attempted to steal second base for the third out. For the Sun Devils, with a Torkelson on first base, the Sun Devils would fail to advance him.
Seventh Inning
Benson recorded his eighth strikeout and then his day was done as freshman pitcher Cam Dennie came in to get two straight fly-outs. Arizona State went down quickly as Michigan held a 3-0 lead going into the eighth.
Eighth inning
Dennie struck out Michigan's leadoff batter to record his first K of the game in relief. Michigan would fail to tack on any runs. ASU's Hunter Jump came in to pinch-hit and got on base with a line-drive single to left field. The Sun Devils would not get on base for the remainder of the inning.
Ninth inning
Michigan added two insurance runs on a double in the top of the ninth. ASU left two runners on base as Ferri struck out to end the game.
Up next
Arizona State will wrap up its weekend series with a rubber match against the Villanova Wildcats Sunday 12:30 pm MST at Phoenix Municipal Stadium. The game can be watched on the Pac-12 Plus Live Stream.
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VILLANOVA 2, ASU 1
PHOENIX – In a close game against the Villanova Wildcats, the No. 3 Arizona State Sun Devils were unable to make a comeback, falling 2-1 in the first game of their scheduled doubleheader on Saturday at Phoenix Municipal Stadium.
Boyd Vander Kooi had a solid start in his first appearance of the season, pitching 7.2 innings, giving up only one earned run and striking out six batters.
The game was scoreless throughout the first five innings, and then in the sixth inning, Villanova put up two runs with the bases loaded to jump ahead. Spencer Torkelson responded right back with a leadoff home run, the 50th of his career, to make it a 2-1 game.
The sixth inning was the limit of the scoring however, as the Sun Devils were unable to bring across the game-tying run over the final three innings.
THE FINAL STRAW
While only getting three hits for the game, Arizona State was able to stay in the game thanks to strong pitching and had opportunities to score by drawing nine walks.
With two outs in the bottom of the ninth, Sam Ferri notched a pinch-hit single to center field and Hunter Jump drew a walk to bring Torkelson to the plate. Villanova elected to intentional walk Torkelson to put the tying run 90 feet away and loading the bases. Trevor Hauver stepped up to bat and worked the count full, fouling off a couple pitches before striking out to end the contest.
THE TURNING POINT
Villanova loaded the bases with no outs in the top of the sixth following a single, a walk and an error. An RBI groundout put the Wildcats on the board first but the Sun Devils induced a slick 3U-6 double play from Torkelson to Drew Swift to end the inning. Unfortunately, the home plate umpire ruled the runner coming home from third safe on the tag play, counting the run despite video evidence showing the runner did not, in fact, cross home prior to the final out being recorded. That run would prove to be the difference in the final 2-1 tally in the box score.
NOTABLES
- Spencer Torkelson hit the 50th home run of his career, now needing just seven to surpass Bob Horner's long-standing school record of 56. He is one behind Jeff Larish for second in Sun Devil history (51).
- Torkelson needs 23 home runs to break into the NCAA all-time Top-10 in career homers
- Torkelson has now homered multiple times in a series 12 times.
- Torkelson was walked three times in the effort, two of which intentionally, bring him up to five walks and three intentional walks through just two games in addition to his two homers.
ONE THROUGH NINE
First inning
Boyd Vander Kooi gave up a double, but then retired the next two batters to strand the runner at third. The Sun Devils went down in order to end the first.
Second inning
Two groundouts to Gage Workman and a strikeout by Vander Kooi as the Sun Devils retired the side in the top of the inning. Nate Baez got the first hit of his college career, but Arizona State stranded two runners.
Third inning
Vander Kooi got another strikeout and the Sun Devil offense was able to draw two walks but was unable to bring in a run.
Fourth inning
The fourth inning was a short one for Vander Kooi, getting three outs in just four pitches as the game was still scoreless through four innings.
Fifth inning
Vander Kooi gave up his first walk of the game, the Wildcats had back-to-back ground outs, one a double play.
Sixth inning
The Wildcats got on board first after loading up the bases and then scoring two runs. Spencer Torkelson cut the lead in half with a leadoff home run, his second in two games. Villanova escaped without giving any more runs, striking out the final batter to leave two Sun Devils stranded on first and third.
Seventh Inning
Vander Kooi continued his strong outing, keeping the Wildcats from stretching out their lead. With two on base from walks, Trevor Hauver struck out swinging to keep Villanova's 2-1 lead heading into the eighth.
Eighth inning
After giving up back-to-back singles, Vander Kooi's day was done as Graham Osman came into relief and got the final out to end the top of the eighth. The Sun Devil bats were unable to get anything going, grounding out twice and a strikeout looking ends the inning.
Ninth inning
Christian Bodlovich came in relief for his first career appearance. Bodolovich struck out a pair in a scoreless inning. The Sun Devils made an attempt to come back, loading up the bases, but a strikeout ended the game.
Up next
Arizona State has another game today, playing the No. 8 Michigan Wolverines at 6 p.m. MST. The game can be watched on the Pac-12 Plus Live Stream or heard on NBC Sports 1060 AM.
#8 Michigan 5, Arizona State 0
PHOENIX – A tough night at the plate for the Sun Devil Baseball program overshadowed a quality start from freshman Cooper Benson in his debut as ASU fell to No. 8 Michigan Wolverines, 5-0, Saturday night at Phoenix Municipal Stadium - dropping the second game of their doubleheader.
Benson was unfazed by the bright lights and the Top-10 opponent, going 6.1 IP with just two earned runs allowed. The southpaw shook off some tough defensive lapses behind him to strike out eight in his debut while walking none.
Michigan got on the board first when Danny Zimmerman knocked a leadoff home run deep into the left field to give the Wolverines a 1-0 lead in the top of the third inning.
The Wolverines added another run to go up 2-0 after Zimmerman doubled and advanced to third on a throwing error by Trevor Hauver.
In the top of the 6th inning with a runner on third base, Bertran hit an RBI single to extend the Wolverine lead to 3-0.
The Wolverines would add two more runs in the ninth to pull away for the victory.
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Sun Devils were shut out for the first time this season. Michigan got the scoring going when Zimmerman hit a leadoff home run deep into the left-field in the top of the third inning.
ASU was not without its chances, stranding seven batters in the contest and going just 2-for-11 with runners on the base path.
THE TURNING POINT
In the bottom of the fifth inning with the Wolverines already up 2-0, the Sun Devils could not capitalize with runners on second and third and two consecutive pop-ups left them stranded.
ONE THROUGH NINE
First inning
Starter Cooper Benson, in his first game, got a quick 1-2-3 inning. Michigan also took the Sun Devils in order to end the first.
Second inning
Benson recorded another strikeout in the top of the second inning on the way to another 1-2-3 inning. At the bottom of the second inning with Trevor Hauver on base, Sam Ferri got the first hit of the game, a line-drive single by the shortstop. With runners on first base and third base, Myles Benson would strikeout to end the inning.
Third inning
Michigan got the scoring going, hitting a leadoff home run. Benson got two strikeouts and a nice catch by Drew Swift stopped the Wolverines from adding any more runs. Arizona State went down in order again.
Fourth inning
Benson recorded another strikeout and ASU's Trevor Hauver prevented Michigan's Matt Schmidt from a hit catching a fly ball by the warning track. Wolverines would not add any runs. The Sun Devils would be retired in 1-2-3 fashion again.
Fifth inning
The Wolverines added another run to go up 2-0 after a throwing error by Trevor Hauver that followed a double with a runner on first. The Sun Devils threatened with runners on second and third, but two popups in a row left them stranded.
Sixth inning
Jack Blomgren hit a leadoff double for the Wolverines into right-field and would advance to third after a pop out. Benson recorded his 7th K of the game. The next batter Michigan's Riley Bertran hit an RBI single to right-center field to extend the Wolverine's lead to 3-0. ASU catcher Sam Ferri would throw out Bertran when he attempted to steal second base for the third out. For the Sun Devils, with a Torkelson on first base, the Sun Devils would fail to advance him.
Seventh Inning
Benson recorded his eighth strikeout and then his day was done as freshman pitcher Cam Dennie came in to get two straight fly-outs. Arizona State went down quickly as Michigan held a 3-0 lead going into the eighth.
Eighth inning
Dennie struck out Michigan's leadoff batter to record his first K of the game in relief. Michigan would fail to tack on any runs. ASU's Hunter Jump came in to pinch-hit and got on base with a line-drive single to left field. The Sun Devils would not get on base for the remainder of the inning.
Ninth inning
Michigan added two insurance runs on a double in the top of the ninth. ASU left two runners on base as Ferri struck out to end the game.
Up next
Arizona State will wrap up its weekend series with a rubber match against the Villanova Wildcats Sunday 12:30 pm MST at Phoenix Municipal Stadium. The game can be watched on the Pac-12 Plus Live Stream.
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VILLANOVA 2, ASU 1
PHOENIX – In a close game against the Villanova Wildcats, the No. 3 Arizona State Sun Devils were unable to make a comeback, falling 2-1 in the first game of their scheduled doubleheader on Saturday at Phoenix Municipal Stadium.
Boyd Vander Kooi had a solid start in his first appearance of the season, pitching 7.2 innings, giving up only one earned run and striking out six batters.
The game was scoreless throughout the first five innings, and then in the sixth inning, Villanova put up two runs with the bases loaded to jump ahead. Spencer Torkelson responded right back with a leadoff home run, the 50th of his career, to make it a 2-1 game.
The sixth inning was the limit of the scoring however, as the Sun Devils were unable to bring across the game-tying run over the final three innings.
THE FINAL STRAW
While only getting three hits for the game, Arizona State was able to stay in the game thanks to strong pitching and had opportunities to score by drawing nine walks.
With two outs in the bottom of the ninth, Sam Ferri notched a pinch-hit single to center field and Hunter Jump drew a walk to bring Torkelson to the plate. Villanova elected to intentional walk Torkelson to put the tying run 90 feet away and loading the bases. Trevor Hauver stepped up to bat and worked the count full, fouling off a couple pitches before striking out to end the contest.
THE TURNING POINT
Villanova loaded the bases with no outs in the top of the sixth following a single, a walk and an error. An RBI groundout put the Wildcats on the board first but the Sun Devils induced a slick 3U-6 double play from Torkelson to Drew Swift to end the inning. Unfortunately, the home plate umpire ruled the runner coming home from third safe on the tag play, counting the run despite video evidence showing the runner did not, in fact, cross home prior to the final out being recorded. That run would prove to be the difference in the final 2-1 tally in the box score.
NOTABLES
- Spencer Torkelson hit the 50th home run of his career, now needing just seven to surpass Bob Horner's long-standing school record of 56. He is one behind Jeff Larish for second in Sun Devil history (51).
- Torkelson needs 23 home runs to break into the NCAA all-time Top-10 in career homers
- Torkelson has now homered multiple times in a series 12 times.
- Torkelson was walked three times in the effort, two of which intentionally, bring him up to five walks and three intentional walks through just two games in addition to his two homers.
ONE THROUGH NINE
First inning
Boyd Vander Kooi gave up a double, but then retired the next two batters to strand the runner at third. The Sun Devils went down in order to end the first.
Second inning
Two groundouts to Gage Workman and a strikeout by Vander Kooi as the Sun Devils retired the side in the top of the inning. Nate Baez got the first hit of his college career, but Arizona State stranded two runners.
Third inning
Vander Kooi got another strikeout and the Sun Devil offense was able to draw two walks but was unable to bring in a run.
Fourth inning
The fourth inning was a short one for Vander Kooi, getting three outs in just four pitches as the game was still scoreless through four innings.
Fifth inning
Vander Kooi gave up his first walk of the game, the Wildcats had back-to-back ground outs, one a double play.
Sixth inning
The Wildcats got on board first after loading up the bases and then scoring two runs. Spencer Torkelson cut the lead in half with a leadoff home run, his second in two games. Villanova escaped without giving any more runs, striking out the final batter to leave two Sun Devils stranded on first and third.
Seventh Inning
Vander Kooi continued his strong outing, keeping the Wildcats from stretching out their lead. With two on base from walks, Trevor Hauver struck out swinging to keep Villanova's 2-1 lead heading into the eighth.
Eighth inning
After giving up back-to-back singles, Vander Kooi's day was done as Graham Osman came into relief and got the final out to end the top of the eighth. The Sun Devil bats were unable to get anything going, grounding out twice and a strikeout looking ends the inning.
Ninth inning
Christian Bodlovich came in relief for his first career appearance. Bodolovich struck out a pair in a scoreless inning. The Sun Devils made an attempt to come back, loading up the bases, but a strikeout ended the game.
Up next
Arizona State has another game today, playing the No. 8 Michigan Wolverines at 6 p.m. MST. The game can be watched on the Pac-12 Plus Live Stream or heard on NBC Sports 1060 AM.