PHOENIX - No. 25 Sun Devil Baseball is coming off a competent week that consisted of three wins and two losses. It began with back-to-back wins over non-conference opponents UNLV and New Mexico State, then a 1-2 weekend in their Big 12 series against No. 17 West Virginia. Arizona State will have one more game at home this week, on Monday against San Diego State, then will head to Tucson to take on Arizona to resume conference play.
Arizona State started this past week in Las Vegas on Monday, where they beat the UNLV Rebels 12-11. A game in which the Sun Devils had a 12-3 lead going into the ninth, as UNLV tried to come back and brought it within one, Arizona State held on to take the win. Starting pitcher Easton Barrett had a strong outing, pitching five innings while striking out nine and only allowing four baserunners.
The Maroon and Gold came back to Phoenix Municipal Stadium on Wednesday against New Mexico State, putting on a solid performance with a 10-4 win. The Sun Devils secured the victory thanks to an eight-run first inning. Nu'u Contrades returned to the lineup after being gone three weeks with a hamstring injury. He and Landon Hairston each hit a home run to help the Sun Devils get the win.
The Sun Devils started a crucial series against No. 17 West Virginia on Friday night at home. It was all Landon Hairston as he recorded eight RBI in the 14-4 win, which ties for fourth in program single-game history. Not only that, but he also earned his fourth grand slam of the season, ironically, in the fourth inning. It tied him for the ASU single season record for most grand slams in a season. He also currently leads the nation in grand slams this season. Cole Carlon was efficient in this one, as he pitched 4.1 innings and threw seven strikeouts while only walking one batter.
In the second game of the series on Saturday, West Virginia got things going early, getting an 8-1 lead through the first three innings. Arizona State tried to climb back into the game but was unable to as they lost 7-13. Hairston was once again amazing, hitting a double and a two-run home run to help ASU stay in the fight. Pitcher Jaden Alba had his best performance this season, as he held the Mountaineers scoreless through 3.2 innings.
In the series finale on Sunday, Hairston continued his fantastic season with a deep shot to center field, getting his 15th home run of the season. Dean Toigo also played well, going 3-for-4 at the plate, hitting two doubles, and a three-run home run in the ninth. However, it wasn't enough as the Sun Devils lost their first conference series of the season, falling to West Virginia 5-9.
Arizona State will look to bounce back, starting with a matchup with San Diego State on Monday night at Phoenix Municipal Stadium. The Sun Devils will then have a couple of days to prepare before traveling south to continue conference play against the Arizona Wildcats.
The Aztecs are coming off a solid outing, going 2-1 in their last series against GCU on the road. They took the series this past Sunday with a 7-2 win over the Lopes.
The Wildcats will be looking to rally back after being swept by the UCF Knights over the weekend. They will come back home for a game against No. 13 West Virginia on Tuesday night before taking on Arizona State.
Monday through Friday's games can all be seen on ESPN+, with Saturday's match being available on ESPN2. All games this week can be heard on KDUS AM 1060.
No. 25 ASU (20-8, 5-4 Big 12) | San Diego State (15-14, 4-2 Mountain West) | Arizona (9-18, 2-7 Big 12)
This week
Monday, March 30, 6:35 p.m. | No. 25 Arizona State vs. San Diego State (Phoenix) | Watch live: ESPN+ | Listen on KDUS AM 1060
Thursday, April 2, 6:05 p.m. | No. 25 Arizona State at. Arizona (Tucson) | Watch live: ESPN+ | Listen on KDUS AM 1060
Friday, April 3, 6:05 p.m. | No. 25 Arizona State at. Arizona (Tucson) | Watch live: ESPN+ | Listen on KDUS AM 1060
Saturday, April 4, 6:05 p.m. | No. 25 Arizona State at. Arizona (Tucson) | Watch live: ESPN2 | Listen on KDUS AM 1060
--------------
Next week
Tuesday, April 7, 6:05 p.m. | No. 25 Arizona State at. Grand Canyon (Phoenix)
Wednesday, April 8, 6:35 p.m. | No. 25 Arizona State vs. UNLV (Phoenix)
Friday, April 10, 6:35 p.m. | No. 25 Arizona State vs. Utah (Phoenix)
Saturday, April 11, 6:35 p.m. | No. 25 Arizona State vs. Utah (Phoenix)
Sunday, April 12, 1:05 p.m. | No. 25 Arizona State vs. Utah (Phoenix)
--------------
Last week
Monday, March 23, 6:05 p.m. | No. 22 Arizona State at. UNLV (Las Vegas) | W, 12-11
Wednesday, March 25, 6:35 p.m. | No. 22 Arizona State vs. New Mexico State (Phoenix) | W, 10-4
Friday, March 27, 6:35 p.m. | No. 22 Arizona State vs. No. 17 West Virginia (Phoenix) | W, 14-4 (8 inn.)
Saturday, March 28, 6:35 p.m. | No. 22 Arizona State vs. No. 17 West Virginia (Phoenix) | L, 13-7
Sunday, March 29, 5:05 p.m. | No. 22 Arizona State vs. No. 17 West Virginia (Phoenix) | L, 9-5
All times MST.
Get tickets
For more information on Sun Devil Baseball tickets, visit the following link.