The Sun Devils' first series of the 2025 season is coming to a close Sunday afternoon with their final game against Ohio State. They clinched the series on Saturday, thanks to a walk-off double from Brandon Compton, and Arizona State is now on the verge of sweeping the Buckeyes.
Ohio State has kept things close in both games, though. The Sun Devils won 9-8 on opening night and needed every inning to close it out on Saturday, winning 7-6. Despite all this, Arizona State is sitting pretty at a 2-0 record and looking to make it 3-0 after today.
Their performances in these first two matches have gone about as expected, with plenty of scoring and some (at times) unreliable pitching. But the Sun Devils looked better on the mound on Saturday, with four of their six relief pitchers dropping a goose egg in the earned runs category.
The issue thus far has really been the starting pitchers for Arizona State. Ace Ben Jacobs only lasted four innings on Friday, and Jack Martinez threw a ton of strikeouts on Saturday but also gave up three runs in five and a third innings. In fact, the Sun Devils' two starters thus far have been responsible for 11 of the team's total 19 hits allowed despite combining for one full game between the two of them.
It hasn't yet been confirmed who will take the mound to start Sunday's game, adding intrigue ahead of the opening pitch. Head coach Willie Bloomquist had previously hinted at either Wyatt Halvorson or Cole Carlon getting a starting opportunity, but both pitched an inning of relief on Saturday.
Regardless, the Sun Devils are hoping to see their runs allowed decrease for the third straight game as their defense settles into a groove. Having said that, make sure you tune in for the conclusion to this opening series.
How to watch Arizona State vs Ohio State
The Sun Devils and Buckeyes will throw the first pitch at 1:00 PM MST in Phoenix Municipal Stadium in Phoenix, Arizona.
The game will air on ESPN+ (subscription required). Jack Johnson will be on air for play-by-play with Braiden Bell working as the color commentator.
Betting information
Arizona State comes into this one as a mere 1.5-run favorite, according to FanDuel sportsbook.
The Sun Devils are -260 on the moneyline, while the Buckeyes are +196.
The over/under on total runs is 14.5.