After getting in a no-out bases-loaded jam, ASU’s starting pitcher Jaden Alba retired the next three hitters in a row, including two on strikeouts to give the Sun Devils an early spark.

That spark was carried into the very next pitch, where red-hot Nu’u Contrades smoked a 406-foot bomb to give the Sun Devils (6-1) an early lead they never looked back from, winning 9-2 over the Golden Eagles (4-2). 

ASU finally accomplished a series win after losing the Friday night opener, a feat that has not been done in over three years. 

Coach Willie Bloomquist is proud of his players ability to overcome the early frustrations, a trend he hopes to see continue throughout the season.

“So, I didn't wanna obviously drop the one on Friday, but we did, and that was how you're gonna bounce back.” Head Coach Willie Bloomquist said, “And, the way they responded was great. Couldn't ask for anything more. They were resilient and continued to play with intensity and energy throughout the Saturday and Sunday game.”

Seven of the nine runs scored in the game came via the long ball. Contrades led the way smacking two of the six homers hit by the Sun Devils offense, their highest mark of the season. 

Identical to yesterday, Kien Vu blasted a dinger in the sixth inning, while Josiah Cromwick and Jacob Tobias went yard as well. 

With an average of just above nine runs a game for the offense this season, coupled with the pitching staff slamming the door on the Golden Eagles in the past two games, Bloomquist doesn’t believe this is the ceiling for his squad.

“I think we were challenged early on, and to come away with six wins is good, but we know as a team, we gotta get better.” Bloomquist said. 

Looking back at this series, the primary difference was ASU’s lone error compared to Oral Roberts’ 12. The fundamental play from the maroon and gold is a mantra that players are keeping close to heart.

“That’s one thing we talk about a lot is when you do the little things right, it makes the game a lot easier,” Contrades said. “We stick to our game… and the other team maybe fumbles a little bit, we know we're in a good spot, and we'll be able to continue to roll and do our thing and have good results.” 

Alba earned his maiden win today with a strong final line, going five strong innings of two-run ball while striking out six. The sophomore has shined this season, surrendering just two runs in each of his first two starts.

Alba’s performance today caught Bloomquist by surprise when Alba’s pitch count started to reach the century mark.

“I didn't realize his pitch count had gotten that high when I ran him back out there for the fifth…” Bloomquist said “I was really excited that he was able to get through five and get the W.”

ASU’s bullpen executed for the second game in a row after struggling in the Friday night loss. Schaefer, Carlon, and Buxton tossed four scoreless innings and combined for five punchouts. 

“The main thing was just filling up the zone. A lot of confidence in our stuff…” Carlon said, “So just going out there and trusting that our guys will make plays and being able to know that our stuff is good enough to get hitters out is a big thing.”

Arizona State’s six-through-nine hitters didn’t join the party, going 1-9 combined with one RBI coming from Kyle Walker’s sacrifice fly in the second. 

Known as an active lineup changer, Bloomquist is likely to mix up the order before the fast turnaround against a strong UCLA team on the road.

“When this offense starts getting going, it is gonna be a really fun offense to push buttons for, because they can go deep. They can play the small ball game. They can run. They can hit and run. They can do a lot of different things.” Bloomquist said.