Inning by inning
First inning
Hairston worked a leadoff walk and Contrades rewarded him by smashing one into the wind into deep left center for a two-run shot for the early lead. Toigo walked and took second on a one-out wild pitch. Polk gave another one a ride to the warning track in left field but this one got caught in the wind and ASU was unable to add to its lead. UCF got a one-out full count single that stole second on a strikeout and was left stranded there by Linder with his second strikeout.
Second inning
Briggs worked a one-out walk and Moutzouridis had a nice at-bat, smoking a full count pitch on the eighth pitch that unfortunately went directly to second baseman for an easy double play and the minimum at the plate for ASU. UCF drew a two-out walk and stolen base but Linder again stranded the runner in scoring position.
Third inning
The top of the Sun Devil order went down in order. UCF got a pair of one-out singles from the first two batters in its lineup and then runners on the corners after a fielder’s choice, scoring a run on a wild pitch. A two-out walk on four pitches kept the pressure on with runners on first and second but a flyout ended the threat and kept ASU on top, 2-1.
Fourth inning
ASU got a couple of free passes with a one-out walk from Smaldino followed by a HBP on Polk despite being down 1-2 in the count and moved into scoring position on a groundout. UCF went to the bullpen and a Briggs strikeout ended the ASU threat.
Fifth inning
Hairston reached on a full count HBP with one out and Contrades followed with a single and the two runners moved into scoring position on an error. A pair of first pitch flyouts from Toigo and Roellig immediately ended the threat again. Colby Guy entered out of the bullpen to face the top of UCF’s lineup and recorded ASU’s first 1-2-3 inning of the game in the process on just 13 pitches.
Sixth inning
Niclai put a two-out charge in one to opposite right field but the ball was run down at the warning track with a nice extended grab at the wall to rob extra bases and end the inning. Guy worked two quick outs but a two-out walk and an opposite field double down the left field line plated the run for first and tied the game at 2-2. An infield single put the go-ahead run 90 feet away but Guy got a swinging strikeout to keep things even.
Seventh inning
Moutzouridis and Contrades reached on a pair of HBPs to put two on with two outs but ASU again failed to do any damage. UCF loaded the bases without putting the ball into play behind a walk and two HBPs to bring Fitzpatrick into the game with one out. The reliever was able limit the damage to just a sac fly but the Knights took the lead regardless, 3-2.
Eighth inning
Roellig laced a line drive single through the opposite right side to get the tying run on the bases and Polk added a one-out single to move him into scoring position. Garrett Michel chopped a comebacker to the pitcher, who attempted to get the force at second but an aggressive slide by Polk broke up the play and the ball rolled into the outfield, allowing Roellig to score and tie the game. With runners on the corners one out, the Devils imploded. Briggs popped up to the pitcher on a squeeze bunt attempt and despite being gifted a perfect double steal opportunity, ASU got caught in a run down for the final out at home as the game remained tied.
Fitzpatrick got the first out of the frame and the Devils turned to closer Derek Schaefer, who gave up a hit on the first pitch he threw but got a flyout and battled back from a 3-0 count against the dangerous Andrew Williamson to get the final out with a backwards punchout to send things to the ninth.
Ninth inning
With one out, Hairston singled, then stole second and moved over to third on a throwing error. Contrades was hit by a pitch to put runners on the corners, then Toigo doubled to right to bring in the go-ahead run. A sacrifice fly from Roellig made it 5-3, and an RBI-single from Smaldino extended the lead to three. Schaefer returned to the mound for the bottom of the frame, retiring the first batter via a groundout before allowing a single past a diving Moutzouridis. However, Schaefer was able to get a groundball-double play to seal the victory and series win for Arizona State.
