Feb. 7, 1998
TEMPE, Ariz. -- The fifth-ranked Arizona State baseball team (8-2, 0-0) lost to No. 23 Florida State (3-2, 0-0) 6-1 in front of a season-high 3,719 fans in game two of its series with the Seminoles at Packard Stadium today.
The Seminoles struck first with a two-run homerun by rightfielder Matt Diaz, his first hit of the season, in the top of the second inning. Diaz ended the day going 1-for-2 with two RBI. Arizona State scored its lone run in the fourth inning on an RBI single to left field by freshman right fielder Jeff Phelps. Phelps finished 3-for-4 on the day. Junior lefthander Phill Lowery (2-1) picked up the loss for the Devils going six innings giving up eight hits, two earned runs, with seven strike outs and no walks. Lefthander Wes Crawford (1-0) got the win for the Seminoles pitching six innings and giving up one run on six hits. John Bentley picked up his first save of the season for Florida State. Designated hitter Kevin Cash and centerfielder Brian Cox also contributed for the Seminoles. Cash went 3-for-5 with an RBI and Cox finished the day 3-for-4 and also drove in one run.
Sun Devil head coach Pat Murphy believes the Devils will bounce back.
"We are a little disappointed but we are going to try to fight through this the best we can. We will come back and play much better," said Murphy.
The Sun Devils wrap up the three-game series with Florida State tomorrow afternoon in a 1 p.m. game at Packard Stadium. For ticket information, please call the Sun Devil ticket office at 965-2381.
Florida State 020 000 022 6 12 1 Arizona State 000 010 001 1 8 2 Winner -- Crawford (1-0) Loser -- Lowery (2-1) Save --Bentley (1) Umpires: Daugherty, Jenkins, Gunter Time: 2:50 Attn: 3,719