Baseball’s 8-6 Win Clinches Series Over No. 9 Oregon
TEMPE, Ariz. - The Arizona State University baseball team used an early offensive outburst and another quality start from right-hander Darin Gillies to secure an 8-6 series-clinching win over No. 9 Oregon on Sunday at Packard Stadium in Tempe, Ariz.
The Sun Devils (26-21, 14-10) won their third three-game series over a team ranked in the top 15 for the first time in school history. They have 12 victories over ranked opponents this season, including 10 against top-15 teams.
ASU recorded its sixth Pac-12 series win of the season and moved back into a tie for third place in the conference with six Pac-12 games left to play, including the final weekend at Packard Stadium against Utah May 16-18.
Gillies (2-4) did not allow an earned run on just two hits in six innings to secure his first win since Feb. 27. This was his third start of the season in which he did not concede an earned run across six or more innings. He bookended a perfect first inning with a pair of swinging strikeouts and stranded a pair of runners in scoring position in the third inning en route to his sixth quality start of the season.
The Devils knocked in five runs in the first inning, and added one in both the second and the fourth frames to take a 7-0 lead. A two-out RBI single by center fielder Johnny Sewald in the seventh extended ASU’s lead to six, but the Ducks (36-16, 14-10) scored four in the top of the ninth to pull within a pair.
Right-handed reliever Eder Erives (1) took over with one out and the tying run on second base in the ninth, and induced a run-scoring groundout to first base and a pop fly to shortstop Drew Stankiewicz to earn his first career save and close out the series finale.
First baseman Nate Causey recorded three hits for the first time since April 5 and leads the team with 15 multi-hit games this season. Outfielders Jake Peevyhouse, Chris Beall and Sewald combined to drive in five runs on three hits and scored three runs, and catcher Brian Serven added a pair of hits, a RBI and two runs scored.
ASU used a pair of run-scoring singles and two RBI doubles in the opening inning to take a 5-0 lead. Sewald was hit by a pitch to begin the frame and stole second before plating the first run of the game on a RBI double from Peevyhouse. Designated hitter RJ Ybarra reached base in the next at-bat on a throwing error by Oregon shortstop Mark Karaviotis, and Causey and Serven each drove in a run with a single and a double, respectively. Beall capped off the inning with a two-out, two-run single to right field to stretch the Devils’ advantage to five.
Sewald reached base on a fielder’s choice in the second inning and moved to third on a single by Stankiewicz before coming home on a fielder’s choice by Peevyhouse. Stankiewicz knocked a double to left field in his next at-bat in the fourth and Ybarra plated him two batters later with a RBI single through the left side as ASU took a commanding 7-0 lead.
UO third baseman Mitchell Tolman scored the Ducks’ first run of the game on a passed ball with two outs in the sixth after he walked and advanced to third on a wild pitch and a flyout.
ASU right-hander Jordan Aboites gave up a solo home run to second baseman Aaron Payne in the top of the seventh, but the Devils countered with a run in the bottom of the frame to keep their advantage to six, 8-2. Aboites allowed just two baserunners and one hit, and struck out a pair in two innings of relief.
Right-hander Ryan Burr put the tying on base with one out in the top of the ninth after he conceded three runs on three hits and three walks. He induced a flyout for the first out of the inning before he loaded the bases on two walks and a single, and allowed three runs on two more singles and a walk.
UO starting right-hander Brando Tessar (4-1) was handed his first loss of the season after he surrendered seven runs, including four earned, on 10 hits in 3 2/3 innings.
Notes
ASU moved to 15-7 all-time against Oregon, including 4-2 in the past two seasons…Peevyhouse reached base for the 13th consecutive game, the fifth longest streak on the team this season...ASU is 12-2 this season when they do not commit an error…this is the ninth team in school history to win three three-game series’ over ranked teams.
Up Next
The Devils travel to Las Vegas for a non-conference game against UNLV on May 13 before hosting Utah at Packard Stadium May 16-18. First pitch on Tuesday at UNLV is 6 p.m., while Friday and Saturday are both set for a 6:30 pm PT start and Sunday will begin at 12:30 pm. All three games Pac-12 games over the weekend will be streamed live online and broadcast on NBC Sports Radio AM 1060. Live stats will also be available.
Tip Your Cap To Packard Promotions
After two months of voting, Sun Devil Athletics, the Arizona Republic and azcentral.com unveiled the All-Packard Stadium Team on May 7 and the first 1,500 fans inside the gate at Packard Stadium on May 9 received 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.
Seat selection at Phoenix Municipal Stadium for current Sun Devil Baseball season ticket holders will begin the week of May 12 and run through May 16. Tickets under loyalty pricing, which ends Aug. 1, range from $99 for lawn seating to $335 for reserved/infield box, and season parking passes cost $35.
Sun Devil Athletics is holding an open house for the general public to get a firsthand look at Phoenix Muni on Saturday, May 17 from 2-5 p.m.
Transitioning The Legacy Campaign
Season ticket holders will also have an opportunity to make a capital campaign commitment towards the Phoenix Muni renovations. All gifts, no matter the size, are important and appreciated, and can be a one-time gift or a five-year pledge. Fans interested in naming opportunities at Phoenix Muni can contact the Sun Devil Club at 480-727-7700. All commitments are tax-deductible through the Sun Devil Club. Join our community and own a piece of our hometown team.
Join the conversation all season using the hashtag #OccupyPackard
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