(PHOENIX, AZ) No. 16 Sun Devils Baseball played eight innings of exceptional baseball on Friday evening. Unfortunately, the ninth one proved to be ASU’s undoing in a 9-6 loss to open its series against Oklahoma State at Phoenix Municipal Stadium.
Everything shaped up just as hoped after a three-run eighth inning gave Arizona State (33-16, 16-9 Big 12) a 6-3 lead with the bottom of the Oklahoma State (32-17, 15-10 Big 12) order coming to bat and Big 12 save leader Derek Schaefer entering the game.
A pair of questionable defensive choices saw the inning spiral out of control for Schaefer, who otherwise did his job as the Cowboys plated six unanswered runs and held on for the victory.
Cole Carlon had arguably the best outing of his career, going a career-best 7.0 innings with 115 pitches, striking out 11 and allowing just three runs. Carlon was already at 83 pitches through four innings before needing just 32 to get through the next three frames.
Matt Polk had three RBIs and two hits to base the ASU offense, including the go-ahead two RBI single in the eighth. Dominic Smaldino came a homer short of the cycle while Austen Roelligand Brody Briggs each notched two hits.
Photo – Sun Devil Athletics
Inning by inning
First inning
Cole Carlon got things started on the mound for the Sun Devils, walking the first two hitters before giving up an RBI-single, allowing Oklahoma State to take an early 1-0 lead. He then struck out the next three batters to keep it a one-run inning.
Landon Hairston grounded out and Nu’u Contrades struck out, then Dean Toigo worked a two-out walk. Austen Roellig doubled on a ball that the infielders lost in the sun, putting two runners into scoring position. Dominic Smaldino then sent one into right field that the right fielder lost in the sun as well, allowing Smaldino to drive in Toigo and Roellig with a triple, putting the Sun Devils up 2-1. Matt Polk then singled up the middle, beating out a throw, and scoring Smaldino. Ky McGary then grounded into a fielder’s choice for the third out.
Second inning
Following a home run for the Cowboys, the Sun Devils were able to limit the damage with a groundout and two strikeouts.
With two outs, Hairston singled, but a strikeout ended the inning 3-2.
Third inning
A leadoff walk and a hit by pitch put two runners on for the Cowboys, and a sacrifice bunt put both into scoring position. An RBI-groundout tied the game at three, but Carlon was able to strand the runner at second with a strikeout to end the frame.
A two-out single from Smaldino was the only baserunner the Sun Devils got in the inning, keeping the game tied 3-3.
Fourth inning
Carlon kept the Cowboys’ offense quiet, allowing only one runner to reach the bases.
The Sun Devils were unable to get anything going, ending the fourth inning still tied 3-3.
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Fifth inning
Carlon worked around a one-out single to pitch a scoreless frame.
Arizona State went down in order in the fifth.
Sixth inning
Carlon pitched another three-up, three-down inning, striking out two.
Roellig started the bottom of the inning with a walk, which caused the Cowboys to switch pitchers. With the new pitcher, Oklahoma State was able to get a flyout and a double play to end the inning.
Seventh inning
Carlon delivered another scoreless frame, bookended by strikeouts.
Despite getting two runners on, Arizona State couldn’t scratch any across.
Eighth inning
Colin Linder came in to relieve Carlon and struck out the side.
Toigo opened the bottom of the eighth with a walk, then advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt from Roellig. Smaldino doubled after the Cowboys misread the popup, putting two runners on base for Polk. A single to right center from Polk brought both Toigo and Smaldino home, giving ASU a 5-3 lead. Niclai Coen came in to pinch hit, but struckout, leaving Briggs up to bat with two strikes. Polk stole second, then made it home off a single from Briggs, extending the Sun Devils’ lead. The inning ended with the Maroon and Gold up 6-3.
Ninth inning
Derek Schaefer came in to pitch the ninth, and after retiring the first batter on a strikeout, ran into some trouble. A double to left put a runner on second, and a wild pitch moved the runner to third. On a groundball to third, Roellig chose to throw home, but threw the ball away, allowing the run to score, making it 6-4. The batter advanced to second, and a single put runners on the corners. A sac fly brought in another run for the Cowboys, and a double to left tied the game at six. A three-run home run gave Oklahoma State a 9-6 lead heading into the bottom of the ninth.
With two outs, Toigo singled and then advanced to second base on defensive indifference. A single from Roellig allowed for Toigo to reach third. With runners at the corners, Smaldino struck out to end the game.
Photo – Sun Devil Athletics
Up next
The Sun Devils continue their series against Oklahoma State tomorrow, with first pitch on Friday scheduled for 6:05 p.m. AZT. The game will be broadcast live on ESPN2.
Press Release courtesy of Sun Devil Athletics = Jeremy Hawkes
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