ASU Baseball: Walks doom Sun Devils in loss to Saint Mary’s
By Cole Bailey
ASU baseball fell 6-1 to Saint Mary’s Friday night in the first game of a three-game series, and free passes were a big reason why.
Sun Devil pitchers walked seven hitters and hit three more in the opening game of the series against Saint Mary’s, giving the Gaels the baserunners they needed in order to put runs on the scoreboard early.
Three of these free baserunners came around to score, which is why Saint Mary’s was able to earn the victory despite being outhit by the Sun Devils.
Starting pitcher Spencer Van Scoyoc was the chief offender in this category, walking four and hitting one in just 2.1 innings pitched.
This marked a continuation of the command problems that have plagued Van Scoyoc in his Sun Devil career, as he walked six in his first start of the season last week and 30 in just 28 innings pitched last season.
Head Coach Tracy Smith has taken note of these command issues, but is not ready to give up on Van Scoyoc just yet.
“That young man is going to have to have a big role for us to be good this year,” Smith said. Smith cited confidence and repetition of mechanics as things that Van Scoyoc needs to improve on in order to fix his command issues.
Smith is sticking with Van Scoyoc for the time being, but mentioned a possible move away from the Friday night starter spot for the sophomore.
“We’re going to get him in a role that’s more comfortable for him,” Smith said.
Fitz Stadler and Dellan Raish finshed the game strong after Van Scoyoc got the hook, as they combined to throw 6.2 innings of two-run ball.
They had some command issues of their own, however, walking three and hitting two between them.
Stadler was satisfied with his overall performance, but felt like he could have relied on his defense a little more than he did.
“I think that my defense was very good behind me,” Stadler said. “I just need to do a better job of getting in the strike zone.”
It is clear that the Sun Devil pitchers have the stuff to be successful, but they will need to cut down on the number of free passes that they issue if they want to reach the next level going forward.
Next: ASU Baseball: Sun Devils command alludes them, fall to St. Mary’s
It remains to be seen whether or not the Sun Devils can find a fix to their walk problem, but if they can, the number in the opposing team’s run column will be small more often than not.