ASU historically blows out TCU in 26-9 win as offense erupts

Syndication: Arizona Republic

FORTH WORTH – Arizona State baseball came off a Friday performance where 12 of its last 13 batters failed to reach base against TCU in a one-run loss. It was a complete failure at the plate for the ASU bats and stacked back-to-back games where the club scored only two runs. Head coach Willie Bloomquist has preached during his tenure about wanting battles at the plate and making opponents earn those outs. The message hit the club hard, and the Sun Devils response on Saturday might’ve been overkill.

Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!

In the first four innings, ASU scored 20 runs. During that stretch, the club hit three home runs, three doubles, and a whole bunch of singles for 20 hits. It was batting practice for the Sun Devils and a clear outpour of frustration for the club that has fallen short in the past week.

All nine starters recorded an RBI, with seven of them recording two. Redshirt junior infielder Kyle Walker and junior outfielder Isaiah Jackson combined for six RBIs in those first two frames, nine overall. Graduate student Josiah Cromwick slammed a homer and racked up five RBIs in the first four innings in ASU’s 26-9 win over TCU. Saturday’s 28-hit outing is tied for fourth all-time in program history.

ASU explodes for 20 runs in four innings:

Bloomquist went with Walker as the leadoff hitter against TCU. The leadoff spot is usually reserved for junior outfielder Kien Vu, but with him out, Walker stepped up and smashed a game-opening homer on a 2-2 count to start the barrage. Walker was one of the names on the Golden Spikes preseason watch list for his prowess in the infield but illustrated he is just as dangerous at the plate.

K. WALK.

Welcome to the leadoff spot.

Big fly for a 1-0 lead right out the gates.

???? ESPN+ pic.twitter.com/j51yUb5tFs

— Sun Devil Baseball (@ASU_Baseball) March 15, 2025

Kirk Saarloos went with freshman left-hander Mason Brassfield to start on the mound, and the early homer rocked the underclassman, loading the bases soon after. Brassfield was coming off his first start against Fresno State last week, where he allowed zero runs and three hits. In the first frame, the Horned Frog left-hander allowed four runs on five hits, including back-to-back RBI singles by junior outfielder Isaiah Jackson and graduate student catcher Josiah Cromwick.

Brassfield lucked into a double play to end the miserable first, but it didn’t get easier in the second, as defensive miscues in the infield turned his day even worse. Sophomore infielder Ryan Jax hit a ball down the third baseline, and a throwing error allowed him to get to second and set up Walker to get his second RBI of the game with a single to right field, extending ASU’s lead 5-0.

Saarloos went to the bullpen to try and stop the bleeding, but it didn’t work, as another throwing error allowed Walker to score. TCU was out on its feet, and all ASU had to do was hit the knockout blow, and it came via a three-run homer by Jackson to make it 10-0 in only the second inning.

POUR IT ON DEVILS.

JACKSON. GONE.

10-0, Devils, in the second. pic.twitter.com/ELSO2dmx0t

— Sun Devil Baseball (@ASU_Baseball) March 15, 2025

A puny one-run third for the Sun Devils would prelude for an explosive nine-run fourth inning. The Horned Frogs had two outs with a runner on when it allowed seven straight hits. The usual suspect of Walker and junior infielder Nu’u Contrades were driving runs home. The streak ended with a massive three-run home run by Josiah Cromwick that concluded an eight-run streak with two outs.

How about a 20-burger in the fourth?

CromBomb No. 6 makes it a nine-run fourth – eight of those coming with two outs.

20-0, ASU, T4. pic.twitter.com/1fXR1q0NLb

— Sun Devil Baseball (@ASU_Baseball) March 15, 2025

Redshirt sophomore Brandon Compton joined the home run party in the fifth, with Jackson following him for his second of the day in next frame. Those last two homers brought Saturday’s total to five to close out the 26-9 win and tying ASU’s game against Oral Roberts for the most in one game this season.

ASU’s missed chances cause loss to TCU 3-2 in Big 12 opener

*Get the BEST Phoenix sports insider information, and exclusive content. SIGN UP HERE to unlock our premium content!*

Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports