Sun Devils Move Closer To Pac-10 Title

Nathan McWhortor
Friday, May 21, 2010

The Sun Devils won the first game of a three game set against rival Oregon State Friday night at Packard Stadium.

Seth Blair came out with intensity and gave up four runs in seven innings on the mound for the Devils. Three of those runs came off a pinch-hit home run by Matt Boyd in the seventh inning, Blair would remain in the game and shut down the next three batters.

"I think I was the most proud of him as I have been all season after that inning," Head Coach Tim Esmay said after the game.

Blair ended up giving up eight hits while walking two and striking out nine.

Once again runs late in the ball game was the name of the game for the Sun Devils. Arizona State picked up one run when Austin Barnes hit in Andrew Aplin on a ground ball to second.

Kole Calhoun, who was given the 2010 fan appreciation award earlier in the ballgame, hit a two run blast to right center, his eleventh of the season.

Calhoun continued his superb game at the plate in the fifth by hitting his eleventh double of the season down the right field line then scored on a ground ball to second hit by Johnny Ruettiger.

The Devils would score two runs in the sixth, seventh and eight innings to secure the victory.

The Devils are currently atop the Pac-10 standings with a three game lead over UCLA with only five games remaining. The Bruins won earlier Friday against Cal in Berkely on a walk-off error.

"We're not really watching the standings we're just going out and playing everyday," Calhoun said after the game.

Calhoun later admitted he knew the outcome of the UCLA game earlier in the day.

"Okay, so I guess we are paying attention," Calhoun said.

Kole Calhoun went 3 for 3 with two doubles, a home run, a walk, and reaching on an error that was a questionable ruling. The senior captain also scored three runs and knocked in three as well.

Deven Marrero also did work at the plate going 3 for 5 with two singles, a double, a run scored and two RBI. All of his hits came after grounding out in the second and striking out terribly in the third.

The Sun Devils will face Oregon State Saturday night at 6:30 p.m. from Packard Stadium, Merrill Kelly is slated to pitch for the Sun Devils.