(Tempe, AZ) – Arizona State University turned five double plays during Sunday afternoon action, and completed the series sweep over the visiting University of Southern California. After a rough first inning in which ASU sent eight men to the plate and scored four of them, USC junior starter Ryan Cook settled into a groove and only gave up three additional hits and one more run over the next six innings. Cook takes the loss as the early game damage was too much to overcome, and the Trojans were not able to rally dropping the final game in the series 5 to 2.
The five double plays turned in a game ties a team record for the Sun Devils, having last been accomplished during the 1999 season against the University of Washington.
Junior Stephen Sauer got the start for ASU, but did not figure in the decision as he issued five walks in 3.1 innings of work. Tommy Rafferty made his third appearance of the weekend and picked up his second win, while also pitching 3.1 innings of middle relief. Reyes Dorado pitched the final 2.1 innings to earn a save. Rafferty and Dorado allowed no runs in relief, despite a significant wind blowing out to right field and Rual Road throughout the afternoon.
