The Arizona State Sun Devils (4-0) saw an offensive explosion Tuesday, putting up 15 runs on the UConn Huskies (0-4) from the fourth to sixth innings in a 17-7 victory.
Offense goes ballistic
Sophomore utilityman Landon Hairston led the way offensively, hitting both a bases-clearing double and a grand slam.
“I knew early in the count he was trying to spin me,” Hairston said. “Spit on his slider and his changeup, so I knew he had to come to me there with the bases juiced, and nobody out, especially. I was ready for it, he put it right there and let it fly.”
Six different Sun Devils recorded multi-hit games. In addition to Hairston, senior infielder Nu’u Contrades, junior infielder Dominic Longo and sophomore infielder Austen Roellig all homered.
Junior infielder PJ Moutzouridis, Longo and Contrades are all hitting for a batting average over .500 on the season.
Once the lead grew out of hand, the Sun Devils began taking starters out, giving opportunities for other players to stay sharp.
One such guy that caught Bloomquist’s attention was senior outfielder Matt Polk, who legged out an infield single in one of his late plate appearances.
“[Polk] has done a great job all spring and fall,” Bloomquist said. “Comes up for an at bat, hits a grounder to short, and beats it out. To me, that’s impressive. That’s awesome, you got a senior that’s playing hard, getting his opportunity, going there and not pouting that he hit a ground ball to short…and beats it out. That’s Sun Devil baseball in my mind.”
Klecker shines in debut
TCU transfer, senior right-hander Kole Klecker made his ASU debut and lived up to the hype surrounding him since his arrival.
Klecker finished his day with just one run earned through five innings. He recorded seven strikeouts and allowed just two baserunners throughout his start.
It was Kelcker’s official homecoming, being recruited from Hamilton High School by Bloomquist and Arizona State, coming out of high school, ultimately committing to TCU.
“Should’ve committed to us right out of the gates,” ASU head coach Willie Bloomquist said. “I’m happy for him. It was pretty cool to see him out there. We swung and missed on him the first time, couldn’t land him, things kind of came full circle.”
Bloomquist confirmed that since coming back from winter break, Klecker had been one of the better pitchers in the system. He added that with the lack of a midweek game following the team’s tournament in Arlington, the rotation can be moved around if the need arises.
Arizona State will play a three-game set against St. Johns starting Friday. The Red Storm will enter the series 1-3 following a rough showing at a tournament in Florida.
