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ASU-UA rivalry resumes

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Jeremiah Armenta / THE STATE PRESS
ASU senior Joey Hooft takes a swing Saturday against South Alabama at the Coca-Cola Spring Training Classic in Surprise.

Benjamin Franklin once said the only certainties in life are death and taxes.

For the ASU baseball team, defeating UA the last five years has been awfully close to certain.

Since 2000, ASU has compiled a 16-4 record against UA. The No. 11 Sun Devils hope to continue their dominance today in a non-conference game at No. 10 UA.

"We've had tremendous success since I've been here, so we hope to continue that this year," ASU senior first baseman Jeff Larish said.

Riding the momentum of its first College World Series appearance in 18 years, UA

(6-0) has started the season with six consecutive wins. Last season, the Wildcats went 36-27-1, hitting their stride in postseason play to advance to Omaha.

"They made the run at the right time," ASU coach Pat Murphy said. "You've got to give them credit for that."

Today's first pitch is scheduled for 4 p.m. Murphy would have liked a night game to generate more excitement. He said he's more than willing to heat up the rivalry.

"I could make some disparaging comments and so could they, and we could really make this a big thing," Murphy joked.

For many of ASU's players, today's trip to Tucson will mark the first time they've played in an opponent's stadium. ASU (6-4) has played seven games at Packard Stadium and three games in Surprise.

A rivalry game only adds to the hype.

"A lot of these guys don't really have an idea of what this rivalry is all about," Larish said. "It gives them a little bit of a taste."

The Sun Devils are expected to start senior right-hander Ty Marotz, who allowed three runs in 5 2/3 innings Feb. 7 in his only start of the season against New Mexico State. Marotz received a no-decision.

Over the weekend, ASU went 2-1, beating South Alabama and Oklahoma and losing to Gonzaga. The Sun Devils played better defense and received consistent performances from key contributors.

ASU's pitching staff allowed an average of three runs. Larish and junior left fielder Travis Buck picked up their offense. Larish hit two home runs and knocked in six runs.

"I was feeling pretty good," Larish said. "I'm just working toward being consistent. I'm not there yet, but I'm going out every day to try to get there."

Reach the reporter at kyle.odegard@asu.edu.


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