Offensive Clash Goes In Favor Of No. 9 OSU, 14-12
STILLWATER, Okla. - The Arizona State University baseball team used a seven-run fourth inning to rally from an early deficit, but ultimately dropped the series finale to No. 9 Oklahoma State, 14-12, on Sunday at Allie P. Reynolds Stadium in Stillwater, Okla.
There were four lead changes in the game as the two teams combined for 28 hits, including 10 by the Sun Devils (24-20), who set a season high with three home runs and 12 runs batted in.
Catcher Brian Serven’s grand slam to left field capped off ASU’s offensive outburst in the fourth inning and put them ahead by three, 11-8, but the Cowboys (35-13) responded with six runs over the final four frames to complete the series sweep.
Left fielder Jake Peevyhouse secured a season high three RBI and tied his career high with three hits for the second straight game and the fourth time this season. Serven notched a career-high four RBI behind his first career grand slam and his third home run of the season.
Right-hander Eder Erives set career marks in both strikeouts and innings pitched as he set down five across the game’s final 2 2/3 innings. Left-hander Nick Diamond (0-3) took the mound in the fifth inning and surrendered two runs on a pair of hits to take the loss.
ASU jumped out to a 3-0 lead for the second consecutive game behind an RBI double from first baseman Nate Causey and a two-run single from Peevyhouse in the opening frame, but the Cowboys responded with a trio of runs in both the first and second inning to pull ahead, 6-3.
Starting right-hander Darin Gillies gave up a leadoff single and a two-run homer in the bottom of the first, and a sacrifice fly and a two-run single in the second. He allowed six runs on seven hits and three walks, and struck out one in a two-inning no-decision.
Center fielder Trever Allen led off the third inning with his fourth home run of the season to bring the Devils within a pair, 6-4, but the Cowboys countered once again with a pair of unearned runs to stretch their lead to four. A fielding error by Causey with two outs brought home OSU’s first run of the frame and led to a double and an RBI single in the next two at-bats.
The Devils sent 11 players to the plate in the fourth inning and retook the lead, 11-8. ASU loaded the bases with no outs on shortstop Drew Stankiewicz’s double and a pair of walks. They scored three runs in three straight at-bats on RBI singles from Allen and Peevyhouse, and a fielder’s choice by Graybill before Serven cleared the bases.
OSU scored two runs in the bottom of the fifth on a single and a fielder’s choice, and looked to be in line to knot the game at 11 apiece with a deep fly ball to right field, but Graybill threw out the tying run at the plate to complete the double play and keep ASU’s lead intact, 11-10.
The Cowboys loaded the bases with one out in the bottom of the sixth and used a pair of run-scoring singles and a sacrifice fly to regain the lead by a pair.
Ybarra tallied his team-leading 35th RBI of the season with a solo home run, his second on the year, in the seventh inning to cut the Devils’ deficit in half, 13-12.
Catcher Bryan Case added a solo home run, the fifth of the game between the two teams, to put the Cowboys ahead by two in the eighth inning.
Right-hander Seth Martinez relieved Gillies in the third inning and allowed four runs, including two earned, on six hits in 2 1/3 frames.
OSU right-hander Mark Robinette (2-2) earned the win after giving up just one run on one hit across three innings. Starting left-hander Tyler Nurdin was replaced with two outs in the second inning after he conceded three runs on a pair of hits and four walks in 1 2/3 frames.
Notes
ASU moved to 13-10 all-time against Oklahoma State, including 1-3 this season…this is the first time ASU has hit three home runs in a game since May 5, 2013, against Stanford, and the first time they hit three home runs in a road game since May 12, 2012…the 18 hits and two home runs by OSU were a season high against the Sun Devils.
Up Next
ASU hosts No. 10 Oregon at Packard Stadium May 9-11. First pitch on Friday and Saturday is at 6:30 pm PT and Sunday is set for a 12 pm start. Friday and Saturday’s games will be live streamed online, while Sunday’s will be televised by the Pac-12 Networks. All three games will be broadcast on NBC Sports Radio AM 1060 and live stats will be available.
Tip Your Cap To Packard Promotions
After two months of voting, Sun Devil Athletics, the Arizona Republic and azcentral.com are set to unveil the All-Packard Stadium Team throughout the week of May 5-9. The first 750 fans inside the gate at Packard Stadium on May 9 will receive a commemorative 30-card set of the all All-Packard Stadium Team trading cards.
Postseason Banquet | Register HERE!
Join the Sun Devil Baseball program and fellow supporters for an unforgettable evening. The 31st annual Baseball Postseason Banquet will be held on May 27 on the outfield grass at Winkles Field-Packard Stadium at Brock Ballpark from 6-8 p.m. Tickets are $60 or buy a table for 10 people for $600. Fans can also sponsor a student-athlete’s dinner for $60. There will be open parking in front of Packard Stadium in Lot 59.
Single-game tickets, Mini Packs and Flex Plans are on sale now. Admission for ASU students is free with a valid Sun Card. Purchasing season tickets will give fans first opportunity and priority at selecting seats at Phoenix Municipal Stadium in 2015. Ariz.
Join the conversation all season using the hashtag #OccupyPackard
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