TEMPE –Arizona State baseball was in full control. Through five innings, ASU was up by four runs and was looking en route to shutout Minnesota on the backs of a stellar outing by starting senior right-hander Jack Martinez. However, like many times before, the Sun Devils bullpen collapsed upon itself.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!In the eighth inning, head coach Willie Bloomquist started with sophomore left-hander Cole Caron to carry ASU to victory. Despite his last three outings being perfect, Carlon quickly loaded the bases with one out. Bloomquist went with the freshman in right-hander Eli Buxton to try and salvage the inning for the Sun Devils. But, it only took two pitches for senior infielder Jake Perry to hit a grand slam and shock the fans at Phoenix Municipal Stadium, as Minnesota stole the game 6-4.
ASU Sun Devils head coach Willie Bloomquist walks the dugout as his team plays against the Washington State Cougars at Phoenix Municipal Stadium in Phoenix. Syndication: Arizona Republic
After facing early turbulence in the first inning, Martinez was nearly perfect. Martinez retired nine straight batters and only allowed three baserunners following the first inning. In 5.2 innings of work, Martinez allowed only four hits and one run while striking out 11 Gophers batters for his best start of the year.
JacKKKKKKKKK
How about nine punchies through four innings for @jackrmartinez!?
Strands a pair and keeps it 3-0, Devils.
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— Sun Devil Baseball (@ASU_Baseball) March 2, 2025
ASU responded offensively in the second inning, jumping to a 3-0 lead. Senior infielder Jacob Tobias started in a major way with a 400+ foot bomb over right-center field. Minnesota defensive errors allowed senior infielder Matt King to reach base on a fielding error to score the second run. Then, to end the inning, sophomore infielder Jax Ryan slammed an RBI double to give the Sun Devils a wide cushion.
A solo moon shot by junior outfielder Isaiah Jackson gave ASU the 4-o lead and full control over Minnesota. However, when the Sun Devils took the massive lead, they went into cruise control, which is when the Gophers took advantage.
Minnesota would score six runs unanswered, five of which came from ASU’s bullpen. Martinez allowed a solo home run to junior outfielder Drew Berkland near the end of his start, but then the arms from the pen gifted the Gophers the win.
ASU head coach Willie Bloomquist talks with the umpires prior to a game against Oregon State at Phoenix Municipal Stadium on April 21, 2023. Syndication: Arizona Republic
The Perry grand slam came in the eighth, and just to put salt in the wound, Berkland finished ASU off with an RBI double to steal another game 6-4 in Phoenix Municipal Stadium. Minnesota has already clinched the series, but ASU will try not to get swept at home tomorrow.
Sun Devils miss opportunities cost them in 7-6 loss to Minnesota
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
