Arizona State bounces back with shutout win against UCLA

Let it never be said that this Arizona State team isn't resilient. After losing in demoralizing fashion on Tuesday in their first road game of the year, the Sun Devils bounced back Wednesday afternoon with a dominant win, blanking the Bruins 2-0.

Making his first career start in this one was Derek Schaefer, one of many pitchers to arrive in Tempe this offseason via the transfer portal. Schaefer won a national championship with Tennessee last year, but sought a greater opportunity for playing time at Arizona State.

He got just that on Wednesday, and Schaefer did not disappoint. Though he only lasted four innings, Schaefer was dealing. He surrendered just two hits, each coming in a separate inning, and walked none. Schaefer finished with five strikeouts after four nearly-perfect shutout innings.

Taking his place was Cole Carlon, a holdover from last year's bullpen that head coach Willie Bloomquist expected big things from in 2025. Carlon provided three more shutout innings, picking up right where Schaefer left off, striking out five batters and letting two reach base via one hit and one walk.

Both Schaefer and Carlon's performances were made all the more impressive by the fact that Arizona State's typically electric bats were quiet all game. The Sun Devils remained in a 0-0 rubber match heading into the seventh inning before things finally broke their way.

With two outs in the inning, Isaiah Jackson popped a double to right field, which helped drive in freshman Landon Hairston for the first run of the whole game. That wasn't all, though, as the Sun Devils continued to get on base, prompting a pitching change from UCLA. With the bases loaded, Beckett Zavorek dribbled a hit up the middle to advance Jackson to the plate, making it 2-0.

Outside of that sequence, it was a pretty dismal night for the Sun Devils offense. They finished with just five hits on 29 at-bats, with six strikeouts on the day. Two of their hottest bats, Brandon Compton and Nu'u Contrades, did manage to draw a walk but were ultimately left stranded on base.

Still, by the time Carlon came on for his third inning pitched, he was working with the lead. He finished out strong to get the win in his name before passing the baton to Lucas Kelly, who seems to have entrenched himself as Arizona State's go-to set up man. Kelly was perfect, throwing a strikeout and retiring the side on just 12 pitches.

In the ninth, closer Will Koger came out for the first time since blowing a save against Oral Roberts in what became the Sun Devils' first loss of the year. Koger continued to show signs of struggle, walking the first batter without throwing a single strike. The next batter flew out on the second pitch, but when Koger gave up a single on the next at-bat - bringing the go-ahead runner to the plate - Bloomquist made a change.

In came Sean Fitzpatrick, who quickly retired the next batter via a foul out. He then struck out the final batter to earn his first save and clinch the victory, 2-0.

This was a much-needed game for Arizona State, as they split the two-game series against UCLA. Not only will this provide an emotional boost after such a tough loss on Tuesday, but the fact that the pitching staff earned a shutout the day after giving up a grand slam will pay dividends for the group's psyche.

Arizona State now improves to 7-2 on the year. They will have one day of rest before returning home for a three-game weekend series against Minnesota starting on Friday.