Kent State and Arizona State
Tempe, AZ – Plenty of hits in the warm desert air on Friday as Cal Poly and Oral Roberts combined to smash 29 hits in the afternoon game, while Kent State and Arizona State bashed an equal 29 hits in the evening match up. But the favorites ruled the day as the Golden Eagles and Sun Devils both came away with impressive victories.
Oral Roberts first baseman Michael Notaro was perfect at the plate, going 4 for 4 with two runs batted in and scoring twice himself. From the mound the Golden Eagles received a good performance from Jerry Sullivan who went 7 innings, giving up 11 hits but just three runs. For Cal Poly, catcher Ross Brayton was also perfect at the plate going 3 for 3, while second baseman Adam Buschini also had 3 hits in 4 at bats. But the Mustangs went through five pitchers in the 13 to 3 defeat.
In the nightcap, Arizona State set the tone early by batting around in the bottom of the first inning and scoring 5 runs.After that the outcome was never in question, and by the time it was over the Sun Devils had cruised to a 17 to 6 victory. The redheaded Kole Calhoun also found perfection for ASU going 4 for 4, with 3 RBI’s and scoring twice himself. Aussie Josh Spence made a second start in just six days and went three innings, giving up five hits and three runs. Kent State didn’t want to break the trend and right fielder Jason Patton also found perfection having a 4 for 4 night too, with 4 RBI’s as well. But Golden Flashes starting pitcher Brad Stillings absorbed nine runs in just 2.1 innings of work.
So Saturday afternoon will see Cal Poly and Kent State in the afternoon elimination game, while the evening winners bracket game will feature Arizona State and Oral Roberts. The best pitcher in the country is expected to get the start for ASU as junior Mike Leake should face Mark Serrano and his perfect 9 and 0 record.
Game 1: Oral Roberts 13 Cal Poly 3
Game 2: Arizona State 17 Kent State 6
