Arizona State Sun Devils Cruise to Shutout Win

The Arizona State baseball team shut out the New Mexico State Aggies Tuesday in a 2-0 win at ASU’s Packard Stadium.

Starting right-hander Seth Martinez pitched a career-long seven innings, allowed a season-low two hits and struck out six, earning his third win of the season.

Relievers Jordan Aboites and Ryan Burr each struck out the side in the eighth and ninth innings, respectively.

The Sun Devils’ first run came in the bottom of the first when center fielder Johnny Sewald walked, stole second and moved to third on a wild pitch from NMSU starting pitcher Trey Higginbotham before scoring on a double-play groundout from catcher Nate Causey.

Right fielder Trever Allen doubled to start the bottom of the seventh inning, and a single by third baseman David Greer moved him to third. Another single, this one from second baseman Tucker Esmay allowed Allen to score, securing the second run of the game. With no outs, the Devils looked to capitalize, but Sewald lined into a 5-4-3 triple play when runners broke from first and second.

Although Martinez had arguably his best start since high school, he said he isn’t trying to settle in because of the competition from other pitchers.

“Just make sure to go out there knowing that each inning was a new inning, make sure you just go pitch by pitch,” Martinez said.

Head coach Tim Esmay said that Martinez’s performance was outstanding.

“He’s had enough starts and he’s going deeper in games and all that is a huge part of how we gotta have it, you gotta have that fourth starter, and he’s proven to be that guy,” Esmay said.

Causey made his first start behind the plate since April 30, 2013, due to his recovery from Tommy John surgery in June.

“I thought he was good tonight,” Esmay said. “The big question after Tommy John is how you’re gonna throw, and he’s proven that he can do that and that he’s ready to catch some games.”

The Devils travel to Stillwater to take on #10 Oklahoma State this weekend in a three-game matchup.

Esmay said his team is ready for the challenge.

“It’s a focus. We have to get focused. And this is gonna make us focused this weekend, being on the road, playing a real good Oklahoma State team,” Esmay said. “It’s one of those weekends that will allow us to have to play the same mentally as in the Pac ‘cause that’s exactly how this weekend’s gonna be.”