Riding the momentum, Arizona State’s (9-4) offense smacked 14 hits–six of them for extra bases–en route to a 7-0 victory over UNLV (8-5).

Junior outfielder Kien Vu led the charge for the Sun Devils, walloping two solo homers along with a double in a three-RBI performance. Vu’s efforts at the top of the order have provided stability for ASU’s lineup thus far. 

“I do like the leadoff spot because you do get a lot of heaters, early in the count. So, yeah, it's a good spot” Vu said.

After Arizona State allowed 17 combined runs in its series loss to Minnesota, head coach Willie Bloomquist opted for a bullpen game for Tuesday’s contest, giving freshman Max Arlich the start. 

Making his collegiate debut, Arlich faced pressure following ASU’s first series loss. Bloomquist, known for his sink-or-swim mentality, had a clear reason for starting the left-hander. 

“I thought it was the right time to start him and give him a shot to start and figured that would be better than bringing him out of the pen and having him too amped up,” Bloomquist said. “At least to get a chance to foresee the whole day and hopefully calm himself down a little bit.”

The decision paid off, as Arlich tossed two scoreless frames to open ASU’s shutout performance. 

With the bases loaded and two outs in the second inning, Arlich found himself in a jam. Unfazed, Arlich fanned Rebels designated hitter Isaac Rodriguez on a 3-2 pitch, cementing the moment with a powerful yell. 

“I was just kind of in a flow state and just thinking about attacking the heart of the plate," Arlich said. "That's really all that was going through my heart, my mind there."

Jonah Giblin threw the middle three innings for the Sun Devils, punching out four and surrendering a single knock. The redshirt senior has flourished in the bullpen for the Sun Devils, boasting a 2.84 ERA in 12 and two thirds innings thus far.  

Cole Carlon showcased similar success, striking out half the batters he faced while lowering his season ERA to 2.45. 

Despite the starting rotation’s struggles through the first month, Bloomquist rests assured his late-inning hurlers are delivering for the staff. 

[Giblin and Carlon] are good enough to start both of them. But I just like having a good bullpen,” Bloomquist said. “So I sleep better at night knowing I have six through nine that is pretty locked down if we get a lead.”

Derek Schaefer and Lucas Kelly anchored the rest of the bullpen, combining for the final two scoreless innings whilst striking out three. 

Schaefer has worked seven and thirds innings this year without giving up any damage, a trend that calls into question his role on the team.

“The way he's been throwing the ball late is, I'm kinda torn on whether or not to keep him at that back end or start him because he can do either,” Bloomquist said.

It is still early in the season for Bloomquist to figure out his pitching staff, a task that’s become harder than last year with the surplus of talent.

Every starter recorded a hit on the evening outside of freshman Beckett Zavorek, who exited the game in the second inning after landing on first base awkwardly trying to beat out a double-play.

“I think the initial indication that we've gotten was there were no breaks, which is positive,” Bloomquist said. “I think we're gonna look at possibly an MRI tomorrow though to see if there's any soft tissue or ligament damage.”

Brandon Compton drilled his third homer of the season in the fifth inning. Along with the 376-foot shot, Compton slapped a single and earned a free pass bringing his team-leading total to 16. 

With the offense regaining form and ASU’s arms shutting the door, the midweek victory presents a big momentum boost going into their weekend series against Gonzaga at Phoenix Municipal Stadium before their first Big-12 conference-play games. 

“Knowing that we do have more in the tank feels good,” Vu said. “But it's just a small step in the right direction.”