ASU Baseball: Seventh Inning Costs Devils in 3-1 Loss vs. Arizona

For the second straight game, ASU baseball allowed runs in the seventh inning as Sun Devils lost 3-1 clinching first losing season since 1985.

ASU baseball were in a pitcher’s duel versus No. 19 Arizona Friday as the teams were knotted at one heading to the seventh inning.

After designated hitter Zach Cerbo’s RBI sac fly in the sixth inning, the Wildcats responded with two runs in the seventh inning to take the lead for good as Arizona defeated ASU 3-1.

The Wildcats drove both runs in the seventh inning on a pair of fielder’s choice from center fielder Jared Oliva and first baseman J.J. Matijevic as ASU was unable to turn those ground balls into double plays.

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Arizona State had trouble generating any offense mustering only one run on six hits with right fielder Hunter Bishop leading the way with two hits and a run scored.

The Sun Devils were held by Wildcats starter Cameron Ming, who picked up his seventh win of the season, throwing a complete game allowing the one run and six hits to go along with two walks and three strikeouts.

ASU’s inability to generate hits together cost the Devils the game as Arizona State hit 1-of-9 with runners on base and 0-of-3 with runners in scoring position.

The lack of run support spoiled a strong start from Sun Devils starter Eli Lingos.

Lingos threw 6+ innings allowing three earned runs on eight hits and two walks and three strikeouts.

After Ryan Hingst only faced two batters in the seventh after Lingos, reliever Tanner West finished the game throwing 2.2 scoreless innings not allowing a hit, walking one Wildcat and striking out three.

With the defeat, Arizona State falls to 23-28 clinching their first losing season since 1985 when the team finished 31-35.

Next: ASU Baseball: Arizona’s 3-Run Seventh Enough to Sink Devils

Arizona State will look to avoid the sweep Saturday hosting Arizona on Senior Day. First pitch is set for 7 p.m. PST and can be seen on Pac-12 Network.