Heartbreaking Extra-Inning Loss for ASU Baseball Against Minnesota: Game Highlights and Insights

PHOENIX – The Sun Devil Baseball team fought hard but fell just short, losing 7-6 in 10 innings to Minnesota at Phoenix Municipal Stadium on Friday night.

After trailing by three runs, the Sun Devils (7-3) rallied to take a 6-5 lead in the eighth inning. They were close to sealing the win, but a two-out RBI triple from Minnesota tied the game. In the 10th inning, Minnesota managed another run to go ahead, and despite loading the bases with no outs, ASU couldn’t convert those opportunities into runs.

Matt King stood out for the Sun Devils, going 3-for-4 with two doubles. The team hit 12 times but struggled with runners on base, going just 3-for-16 in such situations. This lack of execution cost them the game.

On the mound, Ben Jacobs delivered a solid outing, pitching six innings and allowing four runs while striking out four hitters. However, the bullpen, which had been strong lately, gave up three runs with two outs, which became crucial in the loss.

The Sun Devils are eager to bounce back in the series’ next game scheduled for 6:30 p.m. AZT tomorrow.

TURNING POINT
The game shifted after ASU fought back from a 5-2 deficit, scoring three runs in the seventh inning to tie the game. They took the lead briefly with a sacrifice fly from Kyle Walker in the eighth. However, a crucial two-strike triple with two outs from Minnesota sent the game into extra innings.

BIG MOMENT
In the 10th, with two outs and a full count, Jonah Giblin surrendered a solo home run that put Minnesota ahead 7-6.

FINAL STRAW
The Sun Devils opened the bottom of the 10th with two infield singles and loaded the bases, but failed to capitalize. They faced two strikeouts to end the game after a shallow flyout.

PLAYER OF THE GAME
Matt King had his best game yet, shining with a 2-for-3 performance, including two doubles that helped set up scoring opportunities.

NOTABLES

• Redshirt freshman Brody Briggs made his first career outfield assist, gunning down a runner in the first inning.
• Nu’u Contrades has reached base safely in all nine games this season.
• ASU has scored in 36 halves of innings this season, with two or more runs in 24 of those innings.
• A season-best crowd of 4,955 attended the game, with 750 students setting a record for Phoenix Municipal Stadium.
• ASU grounded into five double plays in the first seven innings, stranding 11 runners despite getting the leadoff man aboard in 7 of 10 opportunities.

QUOTABLES
Head Coach Willie Bloomquist
“Had our chances. We need to forget this one and be ready for tomorrow. We had plenty of chances to win, but we didn’t execute when we needed to. We can learn from this.”

Shortstop Matt King
“We need to come back stronger tomorrow. We trust each other in the lineup, and we’ll be alright.”

Pitcher Sean Fitzpatrick
“That’s baseball. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose. We just have to keep going and stay ready for the next game.”

INNING BY INNING
First Inning
Ben Jacobs had a strong start, retiring the first two batters before allowing a walk. Catcher Brody Briggs made a great throw to cut down the runner at second, ending the inning. ASU had a chance to score but couldn’t capitalize.

Second Inning
Jacobs worked quickly, sending Minnesota down in order with just seven pitches. For ASU, Matt King scored first on a single, and ASU led 2-0 with runs from a steal and a sacrifice fly.

Third Inning
Minnesota fought back, tying the game with a sacrifice fly and a squeeze play. ASU went scoreless after Kien Vu got on base.

Fourth Inning
Jacobs struck out another batter, keeping the game tied, but ASU fell victim to another double play, unable to take advantage of chances.

Fifth Inning
Jacobs continued strong, racking up two more strikeouts. ASU was silent after reaching base again.

Sixth Inning
Minnesota found their rhythm, scoring two runs to take a 4-2 lead. ASU still failed to capitalize, hitting into yet another double play.

Seventh Inning
Chaos filled the frame. ASU capitalized on Minnesota’s errors, scoring three runs to tie the game at 5-5.

Eighth Inning
ASU took the lead 6-5 thanks to a clutch hit from Matt King and a sacrifice fly from Kyle Walker.

Ninth Inning
Minnesota tied it up again, forcing the game into extra innings after a dramatic triple.

Tenth Inning
Giblin gave up a home run, and ASU couldn’t convert a loaded bases situation, resulting in a hard-fought loss.



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