(Photo: Dominic Cotroneo/WCSN)
The Arizona State Sun Devils won on their third straight walk-off as Ryan Lillard’s single gave ASU a comeback 3-2 win.
ASU (12-4) saw their bats disappear for most of the game until timely hitting in the final two frames was enough to get them by. Steady pitching was the key to keep the Sun Devils in the game, as a good starting pitching outing from Reagan Todd and serviceable work out of the bullpen was enough to give ASU its eighth straight win.
MVP: On a fairly quiet offensive afternoon, Todd was able to keep the Sun Devils within striking distance throughout the game. He surrendered only one run in six innings on just 69 pitches as he continues to establish his place in ASU’s weekend rotation.
Unsung Hero: Colby Woodmansee was one of the few Sun Devils who was productive at the plate. He had two singles, including one that scored two runs in the bottom of the eighth that tied the game. He also drew a walk in the game.
You knew it was over when: Once again, the walk-off run crossed the plate, sending ASU home with a come-from-behind victory. It seemed as if the Sun Devils would have to settle for just two out of three, but Woodmansee’s single restored the optimism in the Sun Devils dugout.
Biggest concern for ASU: Looking at just this game, it is not hard to see that the main concern for the Sun Devils lies within the offense. After scoring nine runs in the two previous games, ASU was silent at the plate for the first seven innings and had to rely on their pitching to keep them within striking distance.
The cold spell from the offense will be a problem they will need to iron out before they face the top-notch Oregon State pitching staff.
Stat of the day: Four. That is the number of consecutive games that the Sun Devils have either gone to extra innings or won on a walk-off. Finding their groove late in the game will be another point of focus for the Sun Devils going forward.
What’s Next: The Sun Devils will play an exhibition game against Meiji University in Tokyo before departing for Corvallis for a three game series against No. 4 Oregon State to kick off Pac-12 play.
