ASU Baseball Faces Elimination After UCLA Rout
Los Angeles, CA – Arizona State University (ASU) baseball encountered a setback on Saturday, suffering an 11-5 defeat against UCLA in the Los Angeles Regional. The loss was largely attributed to a devastating seven-run second inning by the Bruins, setting the stage for a crucial rematch against UC Irvine on Sunday.
Starting pitcher Jack Martinez had a promising beginning, striking out two batters in a quick first inning. However, things went awry in the second when UCLA’s Payton Brennan marked the start of the turmoil with a triple, benefitting from an errant throw. Following that, the Bruins capitalized on two hit-by-pitches, leading to a bases-loaded walk and ultimately culminating in a grand slam by Roman Martin. Josh Butler took the mound in hopes of halting the bleeding, but the damage was done, leaving Martinez with an early exit after just 1.2 innings pitched.
Although the Sun Devils faced a loaded bases situation in the bottom half of the inning, they could muster only one run—a sacrifice fly by Brandon Compton. ASU did find some momentum in the fourth and seventh innings, each time drawing closer with runs under pressure, although they often had to settle for scoring with an out.
In the ninth inning, ASU’s Brody Briggs hit a double to bring in two more runs before Isaiah Jackson flied out, sealing their fate for the evening.
The Sun Devils now look ahead to a do-or-die match-up against second-seeded UC Irvine at 3 p.m. MST on Sunday. ASU previously triumphed over the Anteaters in their regional opener with a 4-2 win. The stakes are high, as the victor will earn the chance to face UCLA later in the evening.
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