Senior outfielder Elizabeth Caporuscio hits a three-run home run in the fourth inning of a game against Boston University, Saturday, Feb. 14, 2015, at Farrington Stadium in Tempe. Caporuscio's home run contributed to a 9-4 win over BU. (J. Bauer-Leffler/The State Press)After the Littlewood Classic where No. 19 ASU softball (8-4) went 4-1, the Sun Devils are looking to continue the dominance and establish themselves in the Diamond Devil Invitational.
Last weekend, ASU's last game ended with senior first baseman Bethany Kemp's walk-off grand slam to beat No. 4 Oklahoma.
A sweep in the Diamond Devil Invitational, which is highly possible given the competition aside from Minnesota, would give ASU confidence as it nears the start of conference play.
Friday, Feb. 20
No. 19 ASU vs. Boise State: 6 p.m.
Although Boise State (4-6) sports a six-run average margin of victory in its four wins, its losses have been ugly. The Broncos have been defeated by an average of 10.2 runs in their six losses, including giving up 15, 14 and 13 runs in three of those losses. ASU has won three of its eight games by mercy rule, including a 10-2 six-inning win against North Texas, which beat Boise State 14-4 in five innings. ASU veterans Amber Freeman, Haley Steele and company could have a field day in the first game of the Diamond Devil Invitational if the Broncos are unable to tighten up the pitching and defense. However, ASU has struggled against teams like USD, when it was upset 5-3 in the third game of the season.
No. 19 ASU vs. Colorado State: 8:15 p.m.
Colorado State (4-6) has wins over Montana, Texas Tech and two over IPFW. The Rams have lost twice against No. 25 Texas, which beat the Sun Devils 9-4 in the Kajikawa Classic. Colorado State's best hitter is senior infielder Danielle Wikre, who has a .276 batting average and 12 RBIs on nine hits, including two doubles and three home runs. However, perhaps most impressive is her .655 slugging percentage, which leads the team by a large margin. Opposing pitchers are 6-4 against the Rams with a 4.47 ERA.
Saturday, Feb. 21
No. 19 ASU vs. No. 15 Minnesota: 6 p.m.
After playing what should be two tune-up games to start the Diamond Devil Invitational on Friday, ASU will face its third ranked opponent this season. Minnesota's (8-1) only loss came to No. 20 UCF (8-0). In the season opener, the Golden Gophers beat now-No. 17 Washington 8-0 in five innings, which is still their best win of the year. Minnesota has scored an average of 9.6 runs in its wins with a 7.25-run margin of victory. After losing Dallas Escobedo, ASU pitchers Breanna Macha and Dale Ryndak have developed nicely and will be important when the Sun Devils try to earn their second win against a ranked team this year. In addition, seven runs is the most the Golden Gophers have given up this year, so ASU's bats will need to be ready to support the pitching, which will be tasked with a job of its own.
No. 19 ASU vs. Indiana State: 8:15 p.m.
Indiana State (2-2) has not seen any action since Feb. 6-8 at the Music City Classic in Nashville, Tennessee. The Sycamores have not played a ranked team all season and although they have scored six runs in each of their wins, they have not mustered more than two runs in the two losses. In addition, Indiana State only had eight hits between its two losses. The Sun Devil pitchers will not be facing a powerful batting order, making the job easier in the second game of the double-header. ASU has three losses in the second game of doubleheaders this year, but Indiana State should be an easy win if the Sun Devils perform up to standards.
Sunday, Feb. 22
No. 19 ASU vs. New Mexico State: 1 p.m.
New Mexico State (5-5) will be playing its second-ranked team of the season when it faces ASU Sunday. The Aggies beat then-No. 18 Nebraska, who is now unranked. New Mexico State's top pitcher is Karysta Donisthorpe (4-1, 3.43 ERA). She has given up 33 hits and 19 runs in nine appearances for the Aggies. ASU will be looking to close out the Diamond Devil Invitational with a win against New Mexico State, which has had a shaky year thus far, minus the win against Nebraska.
Reach the reporter at Justin.Toscano@asu.edu or on Twitter @justintoscano3.
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