Big 12 play did not start the way Arizona State planned.
Facing stiff competition from TCU, starter Ben Jacobs got rocked early on, giving up a two-run homer in the second inning. The Sun Devils would eventually match that, but the Horned Frogs needed just one more run to secure the narrow 3-2 victory.
It was hardly the start the Sun Devils were hoping for. They threw out the first pitch of their first ever Big 12 conference game with not a single conference foe ranked in the Top 25, a stark indication of how wide open the conference is.
TCU has been one of the best teams in the Big 12, though, and are honoring their preseason preciction to finish third. Still, the Sun Devils match up well against them, as evidenced by the close loss on Friday night. A sweep always seemed unlikely, but Arizona State can significantly aid their conference title race by winning the next two games to claim the series.
They'll get that chance this afternoon, with a pivotal Saturday game featuring strikeout king Jack Martinez taking the mound. Can the Sun Devils bounce back and even the series? Make sure you tune in to find out.
How to watch Arizona State at TCU
The Sun Devils and Horned Frogs will throw out the first pitch at 2:00 PM CDT at Lupton Stadium in Fort Worth, Texas.
The game will air on ESPN+ (subscription required).
Betting information
Arizona State comes into this game as a 2.5-run underdog, according to DraftKings sportsbook.
The Sun Devils are +170 on the moneyline, while the Horned Frogs are -220.
The over/under on total runs is 12.5.