Coen Niclai carries “lackluster” offense to win over GCU

PHOENIX– Sophomore catcher Coen Niclai played hero Tuesday night for Arizona State (15-5), hitting both a game-tying homer and the walk-off single for a 4-3 victory over Grand Canyon (8-14).

Coen Niclai saves offense

GCU’s freshman left-hander Cody Kiemele held ASU scoreless through his first five innings of work. The former Sun Devil commit held ASU to just three base runners over his six innings of work.

“Tip my hat to Cody Kiemele,” ASU head coach Willie Bloomquist said. “[He] went over to Grand Canyon and stuck it to us tonight…they just always seem to step us and find a way to play us extremely tough.” 

Fifth-year outfielder Dean Toigo provided the Sun Devils’ only run against Kiemele with a solo shot in the sixth inning. Niclai came up big in the seventh inning, however, hitting a two-run home run to tie the game at three.

“[He] saved us offensively,” Bloomquist said. “We had some hits, but we just couldn’t string much together. Couldn’t get that big hit with two outs…we needed somebody to step up. He did a good job tonight.”

The Oregon transfer finished his day going 2-4 with a home run, a walk, and three RBIs. His chaotic walk-off single bounced off the third base bag, over the third baseman, and was misplayed in the outfield. 

“I just blacked out a little bit,” Niclai said. “Hit the ball, I saw a little snapshot, I saw it bounce over the third baseman. I honestly didn’t think they’d send Dom, but then I saw him trip over himself. From there, it’s hard to remember anything, but it was great.”

Barrett bounces back, Guy and Edwards perfect in 3 2/3

Sophomore left-hander Easton Barrett had a massive bounce back after a couple of rough outings to start his year, throwing three hitless innings and striking out four.

“Even when he was behind in the count, he was able to get back in it, and usually get back in the count with a breaking ball,” Bloomquist said. “Much better, a big step in the right direction from him tonight.”

The bullpen held strong, especially graduate right-hander Colby Guy, who threw 2 ⅔ perfect innings to end regulation. Sophomore right-hander Finn Edwards followed by striking out the side in the 10th.

Guy’s season ERA now sits at 2.70, one of nine pitchers in ASU’s arsenal that have pitched more than six innings and have an ERA at three or lower.

The Sun Devils will continue Big 12 play against one of the Big 12’s best offenses, Kansas State, which currently ranks second in runs scored. 

“This ought to be a fun one,” Bloomquist said. “We got to execute on the pitching side of things, and we got to come ready to bang with those guys. They put up some big numbers here the past few weeks and are well-coached. We’re going to have our hands full going there, and we got to figure out a way to win on the road.”