Were the game split into a doubleheader, the Sun Devils (5-6) could have come away with a split but unfortunately a 10-0 hole through three innings – seven of those runs having reached base via walk – would prove to be ASU’s undoing despite outhitting and outpitching the Aggies in the second half of the game.
Five Sun Devil pitchers combined to shut out the potent A&M (11-0) offense over the final 6.1 innings while the Sun Devils outscored the Aggies 5-0 in that stretch. But the damage was done early as ASU walked seven batters in the first 2.2 innings of the game – all of which would end up scoring.
Cole Carlon was a bright spot for the Sun Devils, coming in and tossing 2.1 scoreless innings of relief to staunch the A&M offensive attack in the middle innings. Braydyn Barnes, Hunter Omlid, Sean Fitzpatrick and Wyatt Halvorson closed out the second-half shutout.
ASU outhit the Aggies, 10-8, in the contest. Steven Ondiana led the way with a 3-for-4 outing with two doubles and two runs scored. Ethan Mendoza added his second multi-hit game of the weekend in his return to his hometown DFW area. Ryan Campos added his fourth double of the year and an RBI while scoring two runs.
TURNING POINT
After getting two quick outs to lead the game off, Meyer lost a 10-pitch battle to A&M’s three-hole hitter, which spiraled into two more walks to load the bases. A base-clearing cue shot double off the third base bag was the only hit of the frame but it was a costly one, dropping ASU to a 3-0 hole.
BIG MOMENT
Meyer again loaded the bases on three walks and it again would bite the Sun Devils as Texas A&M launched a grand slam down the left field line to make it 7-0 and put ASU’s backs against the wall.
FINAL STRAW
Despite outplaying Texas A&M in all facets over the final six innings, the initial deficit was too much to overcome. The dagger seemed to come as ASU had runners on the corners with one out in the fifth. ASU was successful on a double steal attempt that plated a run and moved another into scoring position in what would have been a 10-3 game and momentum moving in the potent ASU offense’s favor, but a batter’s interference was ruled and an inning-ending double play was called. The unfortunate part was it was a near mirror image of a what looked to be batter’s interference on A&M earlier in the game that was not called.
ON DECK
Sun Devil Baseball will remain in the DFW area and play a midweek tilt against UT Arlington on Tuesday, March. 5. First pitch is scheduled for 12 p.m. AZT (1 p.m. Texas time) and will be available via the UTA live stream. ASU will then return home to kick off Pac-12 play with three games against Oregon beginning on Friday evening.
Press Release courtesy of Sun Devil Athletics – Jeremy Hawkes
Click on Logo
