PHOENIX – Under the Friday night lights of Phoenix Municipal Stadium, Arizona State (5-0) opened its three-game series against St. John’s (1-4) with a 9-1 win.
Fifth-year outfielder Dean Toigo gave the Sun Devils an early lead, sending a 429-foot home run over the right-field wall. The long ball gave the Maroon and Gold a 2-0 advantage after the first inning.
“I do feel confident that this team is more dynamic than we have had in the past,” said Bloomquist.
On the mound, junior pitcher Cole Carlon made his second appearance as ASU’s Friday night starter. In a six-inning outing, Carlon surrendered just one run on three hits, while striking out a whopping nine Thunderbirds.
“He had a different approach,” Bloomquist said. “He walked a few guys. He locked in and made some big pitches when he had to. He threw a variety of pitches in there for strikes.”
The teams traded scoreless innings in both the second and the third. However, junior infielder Dominic Smaldino broke the scoring drought in the bottom of the fourth with a solo homer to highlight his 3-for-4 night at the plate.
“I was just keeping everything slow,” Smaldino said. “I made sure I didn’t speed myself up to where I was susceptible to that. I was just sticking to my process.”
For the most part, St John’s stayed quiet offensively, tallying its lone run of the game from junior outfielder Lewis Rodriguez’s solo home run in the top of the fifth.
Still, the Maroon and Gold continued to pass the baton offensively, capitalizing with runners in scoring position in the sixth, as junior infielder Garrett Michel doubled to left field, scoring Smaldio.
Later on, junior infielder Nu’u Contrades hit a 400-foot grand slam to put the finishing touches on a dominant victory for ASU.
“I feel much better as a complete offense this year,” Bloomquist said.
After taking the series-opener, Arizona State will host St. John’s again at Phoenix Municipal Stadium at 1 p.m. MST., looking to secure the series win.
Even after a strong showing on Friday night, the Sun Devils won’t let their guard down in hopes of staying unbeaten.
“These teams are tough,” Contrades said. “If you let them hang around, they will definitely get you.”
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