Devils in Detail
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ASU Baseball: Devils Can’t Win Rubber Match

By Hunter Robinson

Sep 18, 2015; Tempe, AZ, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils mascot Sparky looks on during the first half against the New Mexico Lobos at Sun Devil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 18, 2015; Tempe, AZ, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils mascot Sparky looks on during the first half against the New Mexico Lobos at Sun Devil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports /
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With a chance to win a critical Pac-12 series, ASU baseball was unable to come out on top in Sunday’s game against the Oregon Ducks as they fell 3-2.

Chaz Montoya was given the start for ASU baseball and he wasn’t as effective as he would have liked. In 4.1 innings pitched, Montoya gave up seven hits which resulted in all three of Oregon’s runs.

The potent Arizona State offense didn’t show up when needed. A sac-fly to center field by Carter Aldrete would plate the first run and a solo home run by Hunter Bishop would be the second run. Besides those two moments in the game, the Sun Devils were quiet inside the batters box.

Cole Stringer was the starting pitcher for the Ducks and he proved to be the most effective pitcher on the day. In 5.2 innings pitched, Stringer only allowed one run on three hits. He also struck out three, but did most of his damage by making batters fly out. Stringer saw 20 batters and made 11 of them fly out.

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This game is very disappointing if you are an Arizona State fan. With a chance to propel themselves out of the basement of the Pac-12 standings, ASU was unable to live up to the occasion.

The even bigger disappointment is that the Sun Devils were in a position where they could afford a few slip ups and still have a chance at the playoffs. After this series, Arizona State will need to be basically perfect down the stretch to have a chance at the playoffs. The goal is starting to become less about making the playoffs, and more about finishing the season at least .500.

With 14 games remaining, ASU needs to win at least 11 to continue their streak of winning at least 30 games. A streak that dates back to 1962. This upcoming weekend the Sun Devils will be in action against Stanford, a series they will need to sweep to restore some hope of the playoffs to the fan base.

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