The Arizona State Sun Devils are making waves early this season, showcasing a blend of offensive firepower and strategic prowess. Over the last 78 regular season games, ASU has outscored opponents 748-450, boasting a solid 55-24 record. This impressive run highlights their ability to dominate on both sides of the ball.
Dominic Smaldino has been a standout performer, hitting his stride with a hit in each of his first five games as a Sun Devil. His current eight-game hitting streak, extending back to last season at Cal, underscores his consistency and potential as a key player for ASU.
The Sun Devils' power at the plate has been nothing short of remarkable. With 13 home runs in just five games, they’re off to their best start in this category since at least 1998. This surge in power hitting is a testament to their aggressive approach and depth in the lineup.
Under the guidance of Willie Bloomquist, ASU has excelled in non-conference home games, achieving a 45-14 (.759) record over the past four seasons. This marks a significant improvement from his first season's 7-9 (.438) record, illustrating Bloomquist's growing impact on the program.
ASU's speed on the base paths has also been a highlight. They started the season with a perfect 16-for-16 on stolen base attempts before finally being caught in the fifth inning tonight. Their 15 stolen bases entering the evening placed them eighth nationally, showcasing their aggressive and effective baserunning strategy.
The Sun Devils have been relentless in scoring, managing multiple runs in 13 of their 20 half innings with runs scored this season. They’ve had seven innings with at least three runs, four with four or more, and three with five or more, demonstrating their ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities.
Offensively, ASU has been disciplined, entering the weekend with the 11th-fewest strikeouts nationally (22) and continuing that trend with just two strikeouts tonight. Players like Nu'u Contrades and Brody Briggs have yet to strike out this season, highlighting their patience and precision at the plate.
ASU has consistently recorded double-digit hits in all five games this season, and their pitching staff has complemented this with three consecutive games of double-digit strikeouts. This balance of offensive and defensive strength is a promising sign for the season ahead.
Garrett Michel matched his team-best with his fourth double of the season tonight, adding to the team’s offensive depth. Meanwhile, Carlon delivered a quality start with six innings of one-run ball, marking the earliest quality start for ASU since Cooper Benson’s effort in 2021. Carlon's performance, with 83 pitches, was his career's longest outing, indicating his growth and potential as a reliable arm for the Sun Devils.
Overall, ASU's combination of power, speed, and discipline is setting the stage for an exciting season, with fans eagerly anticipating what’s next for this dynamic squad.