Arizona Secures Extra-Inning Win Against Arizona State Monday Night
Arizona edged Arizona State 5-3 in extra innings on Monday night. The Wildcats used late offense and strong relief pitching to secure the victory.
Early offense sets the tone
The Wildcats struck first in the second inning. Andrew Cain opened the scoring with a solo home run.
Two batters later Beau Sylvester also homered to make it 2-0. Nate Novitske added a solo shot in the third to push the lead to 3-0.
Sun Devils battle back
Arizona State got on the board when Dean Toigo hit a sacrifice fly that scored Landon Hairston. The Devils threatened in the sixth and seventh innings.
Austen Roellig and Toigo drew walks to start the sixth. Corey Kling induced a double play and Dominic Smaldino ended the frame with a groundout.
Seventh-inning drama
Maclain Roberts opened the seventh by allowing two baserunners. He struck out Sam Myers before Benton Hickman took over.
Hickman struck out P.J. Moutzouridis, and Hairston was intentionally walked. Roellig then grounded out, leaving the bases loaded.
Tie and extra innings
Arizona State tied the game in the eighth. Nuu Contrades delivered a two-run homer after Toigo was hit by a pitch as the leadoff batter.
Hickman was lifted after recording 0.2 innings. Collin McKinney allowed the game-tying runs.
Both teams remained scoreless in the ninth and tenth innings. Arizona had two on with one out in the 10th but failed to score.
Decisive 11th inning
The Wildcats broke through in the top of the 11th. Andrew Cain and Tony Lira hit back-to-back doubles to give Arizona a 4-3 lead.
Arizona extended the margin to 5-3 after Beau Sylvester was awarded first on catcher interference. Cain scored on a Roellig throwing error during a pickoff attempt.
The game ended when Cain made a diving sliding catch in left with two runners on.
Pitching and individual performances
Andrew Cain finished with three hits, two runs scored and two RBIs. He delivered both offensively and defensively for Arizona.
Patrick Morris started and worked three innings. He allowed three hits, one earned run, one walk and one strikeout.
Corey Kling tossed three scoreless innings, surrendering no hits while issuing two walks and striking out three. Garrett Hicks closed, throwing the final three innings.
Hicks allowed two hits and a walk while striking out three. He improved to 3-0 with the victory.
Next for Arizona
Arizona begins a six-game homestand against Kansas State this weekend. The series runs Friday through Sunday.
Filmogaz.com will provide further coverage and updates as the homestand begins.
