PHOENIX – Sun Devil Baseball concluded its regular season home slate at Phoenix Municipal Stadium in electric fashion, recording 10 runs in the bottom of the seventh inning to walk-off crosstown rival Grand Canyon in mercy-rule style, 17-7.
In front of 3,351 fans - part of a Phoenix Municipal Stadium season record 119,956 - Arizona State (35-18) was unfazed by a four-run Grand Canyon (30-22) top of the seventh, which erased a four-run lead and tied the game at 7-7.
The Sun Devils responded by homering three times in the bottom half of the frame - highlighted by back-to-back shots from Kyle Walker and Landon Hairston and capped with a majestic grand slam from Isaiah Jackson - to put up the team's second 10-run inning of the year and end the festivities early with the run-rule victory.
Jackson recorded two homers and five RBIs on the night as he continued his torrential late season surge with his eighth and ninth homers in the last 10 games. Brandon Compton homered for the third-straight game as well, in addition to the back-to-back long balls from Walker and Hairston on consecutive pitches and a Matt King long ball.
Twelve of ASU's 17 hits on the night went for extra bases (6 doubles, 6 homers).
Max Arlich got the starting nod and allowed just one run in 3.0 innings with three strikeouts in the longest out of the season for the freshman. Josh Butler didn't allow an earned run in 2.0 innings of work and the two combined with Lucas Kelly and Cole Carlon combined to strike out 10 GCU batters.
The win was ASU's fifth run-rule victory in its last seven home victories of the season at Muni. ASU scored 167 runs in its final 14 home games of the season (11.9 per game) and went 12-2 in those games down the stretch.
The Sun Devils will conclude the regular season on the road this weekend with a three-game Big 12 tilt at Oklahoma State in Stillwater, beginning on Thursday at 4 p.m. AZT (6 p.m. local) on ESPN+
TURNING POINT
The Sun Devils were reeling after the top of the seventh as the Lopes blooped and blipped their way to four runs off of ASU's two most reliable bullpen arms and turned a 7-3 deficit to a 7-7 tie. Like ASU has done all season, however, the counterpunch was ready and came in emphatic style. Isaiah Jackson drew a one-out walk and Jax Ryan immediately put ASU up with a double down the left field line and scored immediately after behind a wild pitch and error to make it 9-7. The next two pitches blew the roof off the stadium as Kyle Walker and Landon Hairston went back-to-back jacks to make it 11-7.
BIG MOMENT
The Sun Devils weren't done there, mounting a massive two-out rally by the loading the bases and walking in a run to make it 12-7. Jackson, who had homered earlier in the game, did what he has done best for the last month and punished a fastball up in the zone and launched it off the pitch lab in right field for a majestic grand slam to truly blow the game open at 16-7.
FINAL STRAW
Not content with nine, the Sun Devils decided to simply put the game away then and there. Jax Ryan was hit by the next pitch and Kyle Walker - up to bat for the second time in the frame - smoked a double into left center to score the speedy Ryan from first and complete the 10-run frame to walk-off the game.
NOTABLES
Head Coach Willie Bloomquist
On the 10-run seventh inning that clinched the victory
"It's kind of fitting for this team in a way. Had a four-run lead and we stubbed our toe there in the seventh. Then this team responded like they always do, and responded in a way that was an exclamation point. I heard the announcement on the record number of fans this year, thank you to the fans that showed up and supported us this year. But this team has just been resilient all year long and bounced back from adversity all year long. It doesn't feel great when you give up a four-run lead, but to come back and put up a ten-spot, did I expect that? No, but am I surprised? No, because these guys just seem to respond anytime they get punched in the mouth. So I'm extremely proud of them. It was a great seventh inning in a lot of ways."
On what Jacob Tobias means to the program
"He's meant a ton to this program. He's what a Sun Devil is all about. Just shows up every day with a hard hat and a lunch pail, ready to go to work and play baseball. He's got a smile on his face and his teammates love him. He is that kid that I've written so many times in that four-spot and not even thought twice about it. He has been an absolute staple for this program and he's what it's all about. What a tremendous young man. He was the first kid that I met in person here when I got the job four years ago, and he's been with me since day one. He's just progressively gotten better and better every year and he's one of my favorites. He's been raised the right way and has really represented this program the way it's supposed to be represented."
On how often he thinks about the NCAA Tournament
"Truthfully, every day. I mean you sit here and think about what we have to do, but I don't relay that message to our guys. Our message is go play baseball today. Be ready to play, tee it up and let us do the calculating and worrying if we're going to make it or not. At the end of the day you go out and play baseball. Let's win the conference, let's really prove everybody wrong and go out and win this conference. Because mathematically we can do that. That was the mantra a month ago when everybody else gave up on us. Let's go win the conference and do it ourselves, and these guys have taken that to heart. We've made a pretty good run at it here late and mathematically we still have a shot. We're going to go to Stillwater with that mindset, that we're going to win on Thursday and see what happens. As far as making the field of 64, that's certainly on our coaching staff's mind and I'd be sure it's probably on some of the players' minds. A perfect example is Jacob Tobias, he's a young man that hasn't had that opportunity. I want that so bad for that kid to experience a postseason run, and not just him but everybody in there. We're doing everything we can to get there and make a run."
Outfielder Isaiah Jackson
On what was going through their heads during the seventh inning offensive surge
"I mean, it's just contagious. I've always said that about our hitting, seeing one guy get going. It started with Jax [Ryan] with that double down the line and I scored from second. It was all barrels after that. Like I said, hitting is contagious and it was fun to see that out of our team."
On what's helped him in his recent offensive performances
"I think it's just being real disciplined to approach. I'm not swinging at the pitcher's pitches anymore, and I'm not missing pitches that I should do damage with. I've been able to capitalize when I get those opportunities."
Infielder Jacob Tobias
On what's been the biggest take that from Coach Willie's recent message to the team
"The biggest thing is trust. From our one through nine order, even if somebody's not swinging the best, he's up there telling you that you're the best hitter in the world. Especially with that coming from our head coach, it's huge for us. Every single guy up there is a threat, and I think he does a really good job at helping us understand that we are that threat and that we're the ones that they're worried about. There's no reason why we should be worried about anybody on the mound or on the other team. We're the ones that everyone's talking about and looking for and not wanting to face. He does a great job and I feel like this past month we've come into those shoes and done a great job and hopefully we can keep it rolling."
On what made him stay at Arizona State for his senior year
"The most important factor is that this is my home. I'm from California originally, but, once I came here, it was just no question that this is the place for me. From not only the staff, but the people here and the environment of the Phoenix community, I wouldn't want to be any other place. After last year, anything could happen, and that was the biggest part of my decision of coming back. If I had to go back to college for one more year, I wouldn't want to do it anywhere else. I want to be the place that I considered home with the people that I loved, with my family being close, and then obviously with the coaching staff that I have a really good connection with and my teammates.That's the biggest thing for me is the feeling of being comfortable around them, you can't get that anywhere else. I don't even know how awesome this place is. If this is hard for someone to make a decision to come here, I don't understand how this is the best place in the country to play baseball and do anything. The coaching staff here is better than anything you can ask for, it was an easy decision at the end of the day for me to stay."
INNING BY INNING
First Inning
Max Arlich took the mound to start things off for the Sun Devils. After walking the first batter, he was able to get out of the inning by recording his first strikeout of the game and also forcing a flyout.
Landon Hairston recorded a single to get the hitting started for the Sun Devils. Matt King was then able to force a walk to bring runners at second and first. The Sun Devils were not able to capitalize on the scoring opportunity as a double play ended the inning.
Second Inning
Arlich returned to the mound in the second and recorded a strikeout to start the inning. However, he gave up a home run to the next batter and GCU took a 1-0 lead. A strikeout and a groundout followed to end the top half.
Kien Vu started the bottom half with a single, then moved up to second base on a wild pitch. With one out, Vu stole third and Brandon Compton walked to put runners at the corners. Isaiah Jackson was hit by a pitch to load the bases, but Jax Ryan grounded into a double play to end the inning.
Third Inning
Arlich resumed pitching duties for the Sun Devils. He pitched a 1-2-3 inning to prevent the Lopes from extending their lead.
With two outs in the bottom of the inning, Arizona State got themselves going on the scoreboard with a solo homer to center field from Matt King to even things out. Jacob Tobias reached base on a double and then was able to advance to third on a throwing error. The Sun Devils took advantage thanks to an RBI double from Kien Vu to take the lead with the score at 2-1 heading into the fourth.
Fourth Inning
Arlich gave up a walk to begin the inning, then Josh Butler entered the game in relief. Butler recorded a strikeout to start his outing, but the Lopes soon found themselves with runners at the corners with two outs. In a big moment, Butler notched another strikeout to preserve the lead.
Brandon Compton kicked off the bottom of the fourth with a home run to extend the lead to 3-1. With one out, Jax Ryan made it to second base due to a throwing error. He later advanced to third on a wild pitch that also allowed Kyle Walker to take first with a walk. Landon Hairston scored Ryan from third on a dropped flyball that increased ASU's lead to 4-1. The score became 5-1 after an RBI groundout from Matt King, and the Sun Devils took a four-run lead into the fifth inning.
Fifth Inning
Josh Butler returned to the mound for the Sun Devils to begin the inning. The Lopes were able to score on an RBI single followed by another run from a groundout to shortstop. Butler then struckout the next batter to prevent any more scoring.
Arizona State was unable to get the offense going in the bottom of the inning as they went down the order but still had the lead with the score at 5-3 going into the sixth.
Sixth Inning
Lucas Kelly took the mound for ASU and recorded a 1-2-3 inning with two strikeouts.
Isaiah Jackson led off the bottom of the sixth with a homer to make it a 6-3 ballgame. Kyle Walker doubled with one out and later stole third. Walker scored on a sacrifice fly by Landon Hairston which increased the lead to 7-3. Matt King doubled, Jacob Tobias walked and Kien Vu was hit by a pitch to load the bases with two outs. However, Josiah Cromwick flew out to end the inning.
Seventh Inning
Lucas Kelly resumed pitching duties for the Sun Devils. He struck out his first batter he faced. The Lopes scored off an RBI double to left center. Cole Carlon then took the mound for the Sun Devils. The Lopes added two more runs off an RBI single to right field. They were able to then tie the game off an RBI triple down the right field line. With runners at third and first, Lucas was able to get out of trouble with a strikeout heading into the bottom of the inning.
Isaiah Jackson forced a walk with one out, he was able to advance to second on a passed ball. Jax Ryan capitalized on the opportunity with an RBI double down the left field line to help the Sun Devils regain the lead. Jax Ryan reached third on a wild pitch and then reached home plate off an error to extend the lead. Kyle Walker then blasted a solo home run to left center. Landon Hairston kept the scoring going with a solo homer of his own off the first pitch. Jacob Tobias was able to draw a walk which was then followed by a single from Kien Vu, he then advanced to second on a passed ball. With the bases loaded following another walk drawn by Josiah Cromwick, the Sun Devils added on to their lead with Brandon Compton getting walked. Isaiah Jackson then smoked a grand slam to right field to top things off, this was his second home run of the night. Kyle Walker returned to the plate for the second time this inning and put the finishing touches with an RBI double to left center to give the Sun Devils a 17-7 victory.
In front of 3,351 fans - part of a Phoenix Municipal Stadium season record 119,956 - Arizona State (35-18) was unfazed by a four-run Grand Canyon (30-22) top of the seventh, which erased a four-run lead and tied the game at 7-7.
The Sun Devils responded by homering three times in the bottom half of the frame - highlighted by back-to-back shots from Kyle Walker and Landon Hairston and capped with a majestic grand slam from Isaiah Jackson - to put up the team's second 10-run inning of the year and end the festivities early with the run-rule victory.
Jackson recorded two homers and five RBIs on the night as he continued his torrential late season surge with his eighth and ninth homers in the last 10 games. Brandon Compton homered for the third-straight game as well, in addition to the back-to-back long balls from Walker and Hairston on consecutive pitches and a Matt King long ball.
Twelve of ASU's 17 hits on the night went for extra bases (6 doubles, 6 homers).
Max Arlich got the starting nod and allowed just one run in 3.0 innings with three strikeouts in the longest out of the season for the freshman. Josh Butler didn't allow an earned run in 2.0 innings of work and the two combined with Lucas Kelly and Cole Carlon combined to strike out 10 GCU batters.
The win was ASU's fifth run-rule victory in its last seven home victories of the season at Muni. ASU scored 167 runs in its final 14 home games of the season (11.9 per game) and went 12-2 in those games down the stretch.
The Sun Devils will conclude the regular season on the road this weekend with a three-game Big 12 tilt at Oklahoma State in Stillwater, beginning on Thursday at 4 p.m. AZT (6 p.m. local) on ESPN+
TURNING POINT
The Sun Devils were reeling after the top of the seventh as the Lopes blooped and blipped their way to four runs off of ASU's two most reliable bullpen arms and turned a 7-3 deficit to a 7-7 tie. Like ASU has done all season, however, the counterpunch was ready and came in emphatic style. Isaiah Jackson drew a one-out walk and Jax Ryan immediately put ASU up with a double down the left field line and scored immediately after behind a wild pitch and error to make it 9-7. The next two pitches blew the roof off the stadium as Kyle Walker and Landon Hairston went back-to-back jacks to make it 11-7.
BIG MOMENT
The Sun Devils weren't done there, mounting a massive two-out rally by the loading the bases and walking in a run to make it 12-7. Jackson, who had homered earlier in the game, did what he has done best for the last month and punished a fastball up in the zone and launched it off the pitch lab in right field for a majestic grand slam to truly blow the game open at 16-7.
FINAL STRAW
Not content with nine, the Sun Devils decided to simply put the game away then and there. Jax Ryan was hit by the next pitch and Kyle Walker - up to bat for the second time in the frame - smoked a double into left center to score the speedy Ryan from first and complete the 10-run frame to walk-off the game.
NOTABLES
- Kien Vu extended his on-base streak to 31 games with his third second inning single.
- Isaiah Jackson has recorded an RBI in 31 of the teams' 53 games. His two homers today were his eighth and ninth in the last 10 games.
- He has 15 homers on the year now after having 16 combined in his first two seasons at ASU.
- Jackson leads the team with his 62 RBIs this season - notable as he hasn't played a single game higher than fifth in the batting order (once). It's also notable as he had recorded just 59 CAREER RBIs coming into the season.
- ASU reached double digit hits for the 31st time this season.
- Big innings have been the theme of ASU's season as the team has now scored in 192 halves of an inning on the year and have plated two or more runs in 123 of those (.640).
- The Sun Devils have put up 68 innings this season where the team has scored at least three runs, 32 with four or more and 21 with 5 or more.
- Landon Hairston picked up his 16th extra base hit in his last 21 games (11 doubles, 1 triple, four homers) after he had just one through his first 27 games as a Sun Devil.
- The game marked the fifth time this season recording five or more homers. The six homers are tied for the third-most in a single game in program history.
- ASU's six doubles marked the 37th time the team has multiple doubles this year, bringing the season total to 136 - tied with High Point for first in the nation.
- The Sun Devil pitchers punched out double digit opponent batters for the 36th time in 53 games this season.
- ASU has outscored opponents 686-409 over its last 71 regular season games - going 50-21 in the process.
Head Coach Willie Bloomquist
On the 10-run seventh inning that clinched the victory
"It's kind of fitting for this team in a way. Had a four-run lead and we stubbed our toe there in the seventh. Then this team responded like they always do, and responded in a way that was an exclamation point. I heard the announcement on the record number of fans this year, thank you to the fans that showed up and supported us this year. But this team has just been resilient all year long and bounced back from adversity all year long. It doesn't feel great when you give up a four-run lead, but to come back and put up a ten-spot, did I expect that? No, but am I surprised? No, because these guys just seem to respond anytime they get punched in the mouth. So I'm extremely proud of them. It was a great seventh inning in a lot of ways."
On what Jacob Tobias means to the program
"He's meant a ton to this program. He's what a Sun Devil is all about. Just shows up every day with a hard hat and a lunch pail, ready to go to work and play baseball. He's got a smile on his face and his teammates love him. He is that kid that I've written so many times in that four-spot and not even thought twice about it. He has been an absolute staple for this program and he's what it's all about. What a tremendous young man. He was the first kid that I met in person here when I got the job four years ago, and he's been with me since day one. He's just progressively gotten better and better every year and he's one of my favorites. He's been raised the right way and has really represented this program the way it's supposed to be represented."
On how often he thinks about the NCAA Tournament
"Truthfully, every day. I mean you sit here and think about what we have to do, but I don't relay that message to our guys. Our message is go play baseball today. Be ready to play, tee it up and let us do the calculating and worrying if we're going to make it or not. At the end of the day you go out and play baseball. Let's win the conference, let's really prove everybody wrong and go out and win this conference. Because mathematically we can do that. That was the mantra a month ago when everybody else gave up on us. Let's go win the conference and do it ourselves, and these guys have taken that to heart. We've made a pretty good run at it here late and mathematically we still have a shot. We're going to go to Stillwater with that mindset, that we're going to win on Thursday and see what happens. As far as making the field of 64, that's certainly on our coaching staff's mind and I'd be sure it's probably on some of the players' minds. A perfect example is Jacob Tobias, he's a young man that hasn't had that opportunity. I want that so bad for that kid to experience a postseason run, and not just him but everybody in there. We're doing everything we can to get there and make a run."
Outfielder Isaiah Jackson
On what was going through their heads during the seventh inning offensive surge
"I mean, it's just contagious. I've always said that about our hitting, seeing one guy get going. It started with Jax [Ryan] with that double down the line and I scored from second. It was all barrels after that. Like I said, hitting is contagious and it was fun to see that out of our team."
On what's helped him in his recent offensive performances
"I think it's just being real disciplined to approach. I'm not swinging at the pitcher's pitches anymore, and I'm not missing pitches that I should do damage with. I've been able to capitalize when I get those opportunities."
Infielder Jacob Tobias
On what's been the biggest take that from Coach Willie's recent message to the team
"The biggest thing is trust. From our one through nine order, even if somebody's not swinging the best, he's up there telling you that you're the best hitter in the world. Especially with that coming from our head coach, it's huge for us. Every single guy up there is a threat, and I think he does a really good job at helping us understand that we are that threat and that we're the ones that they're worried about. There's no reason why we should be worried about anybody on the mound or on the other team. We're the ones that everyone's talking about and looking for and not wanting to face. He does a great job and I feel like this past month we've come into those shoes and done a great job and hopefully we can keep it rolling."
On what made him stay at Arizona State for his senior year
"The most important factor is that this is my home. I'm from California originally, but, once I came here, it was just no question that this is the place for me. From not only the staff, but the people here and the environment of the Phoenix community, I wouldn't want to be any other place. After last year, anything could happen, and that was the biggest part of my decision of coming back. If I had to go back to college for one more year, I wouldn't want to do it anywhere else. I want to be the place that I considered home with the people that I loved, with my family being close, and then obviously with the coaching staff that I have a really good connection with and my teammates.That's the biggest thing for me is the feeling of being comfortable around them, you can't get that anywhere else. I don't even know how awesome this place is. If this is hard for someone to make a decision to come here, I don't understand how this is the best place in the country to play baseball and do anything. The coaching staff here is better than anything you can ask for, it was an easy decision at the end of the day for me to stay."
INNING BY INNING
First Inning
Max Arlich took the mound to start things off for the Sun Devils. After walking the first batter, he was able to get out of the inning by recording his first strikeout of the game and also forcing a flyout.
Landon Hairston recorded a single to get the hitting started for the Sun Devils. Matt King was then able to force a walk to bring runners at second and first. The Sun Devils were not able to capitalize on the scoring opportunity as a double play ended the inning.
Second Inning
Arlich returned to the mound in the second and recorded a strikeout to start the inning. However, he gave up a home run to the next batter and GCU took a 1-0 lead. A strikeout and a groundout followed to end the top half.
Kien Vu started the bottom half with a single, then moved up to second base on a wild pitch. With one out, Vu stole third and Brandon Compton walked to put runners at the corners. Isaiah Jackson was hit by a pitch to load the bases, but Jax Ryan grounded into a double play to end the inning.
Third Inning
Arlich resumed pitching duties for the Sun Devils. He pitched a 1-2-3 inning to prevent the Lopes from extending their lead.
With two outs in the bottom of the inning, Arizona State got themselves going on the scoreboard with a solo homer to center field from Matt King to even things out. Jacob Tobias reached base on a double and then was able to advance to third on a throwing error. The Sun Devils took advantage thanks to an RBI double from Kien Vu to take the lead with the score at 2-1 heading into the fourth.
Fourth Inning
Arlich gave up a walk to begin the inning, then Josh Butler entered the game in relief. Butler recorded a strikeout to start his outing, but the Lopes soon found themselves with runners at the corners with two outs. In a big moment, Butler notched another strikeout to preserve the lead.
Brandon Compton kicked off the bottom of the fourth with a home run to extend the lead to 3-1. With one out, Jax Ryan made it to second base due to a throwing error. He later advanced to third on a wild pitch that also allowed Kyle Walker to take first with a walk. Landon Hairston scored Ryan from third on a dropped flyball that increased ASU's lead to 4-1. The score became 5-1 after an RBI groundout from Matt King, and the Sun Devils took a four-run lead into the fifth inning.
Fifth Inning
Josh Butler returned to the mound for the Sun Devils to begin the inning. The Lopes were able to score on an RBI single followed by another run from a groundout to shortstop. Butler then struckout the next batter to prevent any more scoring.
Arizona State was unable to get the offense going in the bottom of the inning as they went down the order but still had the lead with the score at 5-3 going into the sixth.
Sixth Inning
Lucas Kelly took the mound for ASU and recorded a 1-2-3 inning with two strikeouts.
Isaiah Jackson led off the bottom of the sixth with a homer to make it a 6-3 ballgame. Kyle Walker doubled with one out and later stole third. Walker scored on a sacrifice fly by Landon Hairston which increased the lead to 7-3. Matt King doubled, Jacob Tobias walked and Kien Vu was hit by a pitch to load the bases with two outs. However, Josiah Cromwick flew out to end the inning.
Seventh Inning
Lucas Kelly resumed pitching duties for the Sun Devils. He struck out his first batter he faced. The Lopes scored off an RBI double to left center. Cole Carlon then took the mound for the Sun Devils. The Lopes added two more runs off an RBI single to right field. They were able to then tie the game off an RBI triple down the right field line. With runners at third and first, Lucas was able to get out of trouble with a strikeout heading into the bottom of the inning.
Isaiah Jackson forced a walk with one out, he was able to advance to second on a passed ball. Jax Ryan capitalized on the opportunity with an RBI double down the left field line to help the Sun Devils regain the lead. Jax Ryan reached third on a wild pitch and then reached home plate off an error to extend the lead. Kyle Walker then blasted a solo home run to left center. Landon Hairston kept the scoring going with a solo homer of his own off the first pitch. Jacob Tobias was able to draw a walk which was then followed by a single from Kien Vu, he then advanced to second on a passed ball. With the bases loaded following another walk drawn by Josiah Cromwick, the Sun Devils added on to their lead with Brandon Compton getting walked. Isaiah Jackson then smoked a grand slam to right field to top things off, this was his second home run of the night. Kyle Walker returned to the plate for the second time this inning and put the finishing touches with an RBI double to left center to give the Sun Devils a 17-7 victory.