TEMPE, Ariz. – Cheers and chants echoed through Phoenix Municipal Stadium as fans filled the seats for the Arizona State Sun Devils (9-4) baseball’s return to face Loyola Marymount (5-11) baseball in the final non-conference weekend series of the season. Arizona State pulled away with a 12-4 victory.
Tale of two halves
The Sun Devils experienced a tale of two halves offensively. ASU struggled early at the plate as its hitters tried to do too much against what the LMU pitcher was giving them.
The Lions entered Friday’s matchup with a 5-10 record and had struggled against high-level opponents. LMU carried a team’s average of .281.
“A lot of soft contact and balls off the end of the bat,” ASU head coach Willie Bloomquist said. “Trying to do too much on breaking balls, and we just didn’t adjust very well.”
Arizona State got a boost from a veteran presence at the plate. Junior infielder Nu’u Contrades, who entered the game batting .370 with only four strikeouts this season, delivered a two-run home run in the fourth inning to give the Sun Devils the lead.
Carlon deals again
Junior left-hander Cole Carlon tied his career high with 10 strikeouts Friday, with none bigger than the two he recorded with runners on first and second to escape a late jam. Junior right-hander Colin Linder relieved Carlon on the mound. Linder faced eight batters, recording five strikeouts. Sophomore right-hander Finn Edwards relieved Linder, facing seven batters and recording three strikeouts.
Left-handed pitcher Cole Carlon bounced back from his Feb 27 outing against Mississippi with a strong performance on Friday, helping keep ASU in the game early.
“He’s mature and getting better and better,” Bloomquist said. “So he’s a special kid, he wants to keep learning. I mean, I just walked past him, he’s like, oh coach, I’ll be sharper next Friday.”
ASU broke the game open in the seventh inning, collecting six hits and scoring six runs to put pressure on the Lions and energizing the crowd inside Phoenix Municipal Stadium.
Junior infielder PJ Moutzouridis continued to contribute across the score sheet for the Maroon and Gold, recording a hit, a run, and a stolen base. His single to right field helped extend the Sun Devils’ lead.
The Sun Devils showed their depth late in the game, demonstrating that anyone in a uniform can step up.
“We have insane depth on our team,” Nu’u Contrades said. “We’re two, three deep in every position.”
Arizona State will continue its eight-game homestand Saturday, looking to get another win as it hosts LMU on March 7 at 6:35 p.m MST.
