In what was described as an “embarrassing performance” by head coach Willie Bloomquist, the Arizona State lineup looked off balance at the plate only managing to score four runs in a 6-4 loss to New Mexico.
The Sun Devils started off the game strong, as they brought home three runs in the first behind a wild outing from New Mexico starting pitcher, left-handed junior Andrew Neil. His three walks, one hit by pitch and two wild pitches allowed ASU to put some runs on the board early and jump out to a 3-0.
However, after the first the maroon and gold went ice cold at the plate only managing one run the rest of the game.
“The first inning they gave us three runs,” Bloomquist said. “And we did our best to not let them give us three runs with our offensive approach.”
Bloomquist attributes this lack of production to a poor approach at the plate from his lineup.
“It’s just guys not sticking to what we preach and what our offensive mindset should be,” Bloomquist said.
Even though the Lobos only struck out the Sun Devils eight times, it seemed like Bloomquist’s squad was off balance all night long.
In critical moments with runners in scoring position, even the Sun Devil’s best hitters could not come through and cash in.
“I have to do a better job of getting these guys to trust their preparation more and be able to execute when we have an opportunity to make some pay dirt,” Bloomquist said.
ASU finished the night leaving ten runners on base and thwarted any chances at making a comeback by not executing with runners in scoring position.
Even the Sun Devil’s hottest bat, redshirt freshman designated hitter Brandon Compton, struggled at the plate going 0-5 and leaving four runners on base.
In total, the Sun Devils just mustered five hits, with the first four Sun Devil hitters combining to go 1-13 on the night.
Bloomquist believes that the Sun Devil’s issues as of late have resided more in the mental rather than physical aspect of the game.
“If you do not have a clear head and you are not swinging at strikes then there’s no point in looking at mechanics,” Bloomquist said. “You have to be ready to hit the balls in the zone, which we are not doing.”
With many in the Sun Devil’s lineup struggling as of late, Bloomquist has admitted that he is not afraid to make some changes in the batting order. In Tuesday night’s game he made a few changes to the lineup to try and spark some more offense for the team.
“These guys have to understand this is a big boy’s game,” Bloomquist said. “If you are not producing you are going to get dropped in the lineup.”
His squad will have to find some more juice on the offensive end in a pivotal series matchup against in-state rival Arizona.
Bloomquist hopes the rivalry can bring out more energy in his team and revitalize the team’s focus going forward.
“I told them if you ain’t gonna wake up for this one then check your pulse,” Bloomquist said.
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