ASU baseball bounced back from a tough midweek loss to Arizona by taking game one of the weekend's series against New Mexico, 9-5.
Junior right-handed pitcher Seth Martinez got the start on Friday for the Sun Devils going 6 2/3 innings, only allowing two runs on two hits, walking four and striking out nine.
The Sun Devils gave Martinez some run support early with a double from junior first baseman David Greer, getting the bats going. A sacrifice fly from junior shortstop Colby Woodmansee would bring home sophomore second baseman Andrew Snow, who walked. Then, a balk by New Mexico pitcher Carson Schneider would bring home Greer to put ASU on top 2-0 after the first.
RBI doubles by Snow, Greer and Woodmansee in the second would plate four, giving Martinez enough breathing room for the duration of his time on the mound.
"As a pitcher, it's a different feel to be able to go out there and pitch with a lead, you can be a lot more aggressive," head coach Tracy Smith said. "I don't think Seth was particularly sharp tonight, but in typical Seth fashion, was good enough."
ASU continued to stay alive at the plate with triples from both junior left fielder Daniel Williams and freshman right fielder Gage Canning. Woodmansee led the Sun Devils in RBIs with a total of three, while Greer led with two doubles on the night.
The series against the Lobos may be non-conference, but for the Sun Devils, it's crucial in the journey to a regional berth, Smith said.
"Our guys know this is an important series," Smith said. "We put ourselves in a position where we're fighting for post-season tournament life and we're viewing this weekend as a conference weekend. There is no throwing off, there is no rest, we've got to win every single baseball game we can."
Reach the reporter at haley.stesiak@asu.edu or follow @haley_stesiak on Twitter.
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