PHOENIX – In the first two games of Arizona State’s three-game sweep over Omaha, the Sun Devils relied on junior infielders Nu’u Contrades and PJ Moutzouridis to do the heavy lifting offensively.
The pair combined to go 8-for-14 at the plate, scored seven runs and added four RBI in a dominant two-game showing for the dynamic middle-infield duo.
But on Sunday, the Sun Devils relied on the services of another middle infielder to step up in a big moment: sophomore infielder Beckett Zavorek.
Arizona State struggled to gain separation early on Sunday, knotted up with Omaha 4-for-4 through seven innings. The Sun Devils had the bases loaded in the eighth but couldn’t scratch across the go-ahead run until Zavorek stepped to the plate with two outs.
It was Zavorek’s chance, and he delivered. His first hit of the game came at the best time for Sparky, as he lined a single back up the middle to bring home two runs for the Maroon and Gold and seal a 6-4 win.
“He just plays baseball, and he’s good at it,” ASU coach Willie Bloomquist said. “In that situation, there in the eighth we talked about it, and I just bet on the kid, more than anything.”
Zavorek did not appear in Friday’s matchup but made his first appearance of the series Saturday. He finished 1-for-4 at the plate, driving in two runs and scoring once in ASU’s 11–5 win.
During Sunday’s game, he came out slow, receiving his first strikeout of the season and wasn’t able to obtain any runs.
However, the sophomore stayed composed after falling behind early, establishing himself as a reliable option in key situations.
The sophomore infielder shared how his game-winning hit felt in the moment and the feeling of showing up for his team in a moment where it mattered most.
“It felt great just to finally break open and get ahead in the game,” Zavorek said. “We were playing from behind all game, but it just shows the toughness we have as a team, and how we’re never out of the game.”
Zavorek is a key infielder alongside starters Contrades and Moutzouridis. So far this season, the middle infield has shown an ability to not only contribute offensively but also make an impact defensively. Contrades has contributed ten assists and four putouts.
Meanwhile, within the last two games, Moutzouridis has obtained three putouts and four assists over seven total chances.
In the midst of a crowded middle infield group, Zavorek’s clutch moment bodes well for his chances of earning playing time next to Contrades and Moutzouridis.
“He’ll figure out a way, hopefully, to get it done, and he put together a great at-bat, base hit up the middle, and it was big for him, big for us,” Bloomquist said.
Zavorek and the Sun Devils hope to carry their momentum into their next matchup against UConn on Wednesday at 6:35 p.m. MST.
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