(Photo: Dominic Cotroneo/WCSN)
The Sun Devils finished off the four game sweep of the Xavier Musketeers in the opening series of the season with a 5-1 win. It took a few innings for ASU to get going offensively, but five doubles, including two by Andrew Snow, gave more than enough support to a stout trio of pitchers on Sunday.
Player of the Game: Reagan Todd
There was a lot of uncertainty surrounding the Sunday starter spot, but some doubts were put to rest after Todd’s strong outing. He went 5 and 1/3 scoreless innings, allowing just three hits and striking out five batters, making Tracy Smith feel comfortable sending him back out next Sunday.
Unsung Hero: David Greer
After the way he played this weekend, it seems like Greer would prefer if every game were against the Musketeers. After going 5-for-8 with three walks during the first three games, the junior followed it up with a 2-for-3 day. He set the tone early with the first hit of the game and later scored the first run of the game.
You knew it was over when:
Colby Woodmansee doubled home Daniel Williams in the fifth inning, extending the 3-0 lead that the Sun Devils already had. The double basically eradicated any hope of a Musketeers comeback, although a threat from them in the eighth raised some fear.
Biggest concern for ASU:
The positioning of the fences at the pitcher’s paradise of Phoenix Municipal Stadium presented a bit of a concern for the Sun Devils, as it has all series. Brian Serven, Woodmansee, and Williams all hit drives out to left field that would be home runs in other parks, but they had to settle for doubles or a flyout. As much as they love the comfort of their home stadium, the Sun Devils may be itching to get on the road next weekend to finally hit some home runs.
Stat of the Night:
The Sun Devils were thrown out twice on the base paths, which have been a place of weakness for them in the early part of the season. Serven was caught stealing second, and Greer was thrown out in the first inning trying to score on Serven’s double. While the coaching staff is partly responsible for the mistakes, expect baserunning IQ to be a focal point of the Sun Devils upcoming practices.
What’s next?:
ASU will play a midweek game against Nevada at home before departing for their first road series of the season against Long Beach State next weekend.
