ASU Baseball: Sun Devils Lose Tournament Opener

ASU Baseball’s road to Omaha began on a sour note as the Sun Devils fell to Gonzaga 5-1.

Gonzaga scored all five runs in the first three innings off of pitcher Seth Martinez, who went only 2.1 innings, tying the shortest outing of his career.

Bulldogs got two runs in the first on an RBI double by first baseman Taylor Jones and an error by Sun Devils shortstop Colby Woodmansee.

Gonzaga added to their total in the second inning as the heart of the order hit four straight singles off Martinez, leading to two more runs.

A double from designated hitter Nick Brooks scored the Bulldogs’ fifth run in the third inning and led to the departure of Martinez from the game.

Martinez finished allowing five runs on nine hits, striking out three Bulldogs.

Martinez’s opposition, pitcher Brandon Bailey, pitched a gem for Gonzaga as he went seven innings, allowed just one run on five hits, and struck out five Sun Devils.

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ASU’s only run came in the fourth inning on a fielder’s choice after left fielder Ryan Lillard beat out a double play.

The Sun Devil bats never got going against Bailey as center fielder Andrew Shaps and center Brian Serven combined for four of ASU’s six hits.

The top of the order featured right fielder Gage Canning, first baseman David Greer and Woodmansee. However, the trio was unable to produce, going a combined 0-12 on the day.

Not helping the cause, the Sun Devils went 0-8 with runners in scoring position.

In relief of Martinez, pitcher Eli Lingos was stellar in relief as he threw 6.1 scoreless innings, allowing just one hit and striking out four Bulldogs.

Arizona State will face the loser of tonight’s Oral Roberts-TCU game in an elimination game Saturday at 9 a.m. Arizona time.

The Sun Devils will likely go with Jordan Aboites as their pitcher tomorrow, with Martinez throwing 64 pitches and Lingos throwing 86 pitches.

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