This past weekend, Arizona State baseball’s bullpen (9-4) blew two games against the University of Minnesota (5-5). Therefore, pitching looked to be a major emphasis this season. Despite some early situations, Arizona State head coach Willie Bloomquist’s team shut out the UNLV Rebels, 7-0, behind a dominant pitching performance.
“It was nice to have one like that, where we weren’t sweating bullets down to the last pitch,” Bloomquist said.
The Sun Devils started freshman left-handed pitcher Max Arlich. In his debut, the Woodbury, Minnesota native worked out of a two-out, bases-loaded jam in the top of the second inning unscathed.
“I was just kind of in a flow state,” Arlich said after the game. “Just attack the heart of the plate; that’s really all that was going through my mind there.”
Arlich was good when he needed to be, and it’s an encouraging sign for a team that has dealt with adversity on the mound in the early stages of the season.
After two innings, Arlich came off and was replaced by redshirt senior right-handed pitcher Jonah Giblin, who was lights out for ASU in the team’s second shutout of the season.
“The slider felt really good. I didn’t throw the splitter much, but it was because the slider was doing what it’s supposed to do,” Giblin said. “Finally throwing the way I want to.”
Giblin drops his ERA to 2.84 as he continues to prove why he’s one of the best relievers on the team.
“Jonah Giblin does what Jonah does,” Bloomquist said. “He just kind of comes in, calms the waters, puts up zeros and gives our offense a chance to get going. That was great.”
The dominance from the pitching staff continued after Giblin’s three scoreless innings with sophomore left-handed pitcher Cole Carlon and junior right-handed pitcher Lucas Kelly. Carlon allowed just one hit and struck out four, riding the Sun Devils’ momentum at the end of the seventh inning,
“I sleep better at night knowing I have six through nine; that is pretty locked down if we get a lead,” Bloomquist said. “I feel confident leaving them (Carlon and Giblin) where they are at right now.”
Then, sophomore right-handed pitcher Derek Schaefer, came into close out the ninth inning. The Cave Creek, Arizona native has served as the team’s closer in back-to-back games.
“The way he’s been throwing the ball late, I’m kind of torn on whether or not to keep him at that back end or start him because he can do either or,” Bloomquist said. “He’s been very impressive the past few outings.”
All five ASU pitchers held UNLV to five hits and struck out 13 batters. The Rebels left 10 runners on base in the losing effort.
Next on the Sun Devils’ agenda is another home series. This time against Gonzaga University (2-7), Arizona State junior left-handed pitcher Ben Jacobs will get the start on the mound.
ASU will look for its third sweep of the season this weekend. After Tuesday’s shutout performance from the pitching staff and defense, the team seems to have a lot of momentum.
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