PHOENIX – Arizona State baseball scored 33 runs in its three-game series against Ohio State and looked unstoppable offensively with its talented bats. However, Monday’s game against Austin Peay showcased that might not be the case. ASU only recorded one hit through the first four innings and looked prime to record its first loss.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!That was until a monster five-run fifth inning, headlined by redshirt sophomore outfielder Brandon Compton’s two-run RBI single. The inning saved the Sun Devils and kept them undefeated with a 5-3 win over the Governors.
Sophomore right-hander Rohan Lettow got the start for ASU and, similar to the previous three starters, gave up early runs. Senior outfielder Cameron Nickens had a lead-off homer that set the tone early for Austin Peay. Nickens homer helped the Governors get off to a 3-0 lead against the Sun Devils. What was different from today’s game than the previous three games was ASU didn’t respond immediately with its offense.
Arizona State manager Willie Bloomquist makes a pitching change during the seventh inning against Ohio State at Phoenix Municipal Stadium on Feb. 16, 2025. Syndication: Arizona Republic
The Sun Devils’ high-power batting lineup was stunted because of the heroics of sophomore right-hander Cody Airington. Through the first four innings, Airington allowed only one hit and struck out five ASU batters. The Governers’ right-hander was overpowering ASU at the plate, not allowing it to get into any rhythm. Despite the strong performance on the mound, Airington had a short lease. After allowing back-to-back hits, including a solo-homer from junior outfielder Isaiah Jackson, head coach Ronald Fanning pulled the sophomore in the fifth inning, a mistake that would prove costly.
Fanning brought in senior right-hander Landon Slemp, who proceeded to load the bases and walk in a run. Another pitching change wouldn’t work as Compton continues his hot streak at the plate with a lead-taking two-RBI single, giving the Sun Devils the 5-3 lead. Once Austin Peay went to its bullpen, ASU pounced and had a five-run fifth inning to take the lead.
B-Comp just continues to rake.
Add two more RBIs to the Opening Week tally.
Devils with with a five-spot and the lead!
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— Sun Devil Baseball (@ASU_Baseball) February 17, 2025
Bloomquist went to the usually shaky bullpen and found success with veteran arms. Redshirt senior right-hander Jonah Giblin relieved Lettow and pitched a clean three innings, allowing only two base runners and striking out four Governors’ batters. Giblin neutralized Austin Peay’s momentum and led the way for senior right-hander Will Koger to secure the save and the 5-3 win.
ASU remain undefeated through its first four games and stay at Phoenix Municipal Stadium for a three-game series against Oral Roberts starting Friday.
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
