For the first time this season, Arizona State is entering a game with winner-takes-all stakes.
After bouncing back from their first loss of the year with a dominant victory over Oral Roberts yesterday, the Sun Devils tied the series up. This afternoon, the two teams will fight to win the series outright.
Oral Roberts has proven to be just as formidable an opponent as was expected. They staged a furious ninth inning comeback in the first game, blowing a save opportunity for Arizona State closer Will Koger in the process.
In response, the Sun Devils buried the Golden Eagles early in yesterday's game, scoring six runs in the first three innings before Oral Roberts scored even one run. And when Oral Roberts did score, the Sun Devils responded that same inning with three more runs, ensuring a comeback couldn't happen a second time.
Arizona State has now figured out what it takes to beat this team, but will their bats have enough juice left? They had a great night on the mound, using just two pitchers all night and getting 11 strikeouts between the two of them, so they have about as healthy a bullpen as you can ask for going into a Game 3.
One thing is for sure: the stage is set for a really entertaining conclusion to this series.
How to watch Arizona State vs Oral Roberts
The Sun Devils and Golden Eagles throw out the first pitch at 12:00 PM MST at Phoenix Municipal Stadium in Phoenix, Arizona.
The game will air on ESPN+ (subscription required). Aiden Blanc will be on air for play-by-play with Jaden Taylor working as the color commentator.
Betting information
Arizona State comes into this game as 2.5-run favorites, according to DraftKings sportsbook.
The Sun Devils are -220 on the moneyline, while the Golden Eagles are +170.
The over/under on total runs is 16.5.