Arizona State Baseball: Sun Devils Hold On in Dramatic Win Over Nebraska
It was a game of two halves—one defined by absolute dominance and the other by heart-stopping tension. In a high-stakes elimination game at the Lincoln Regional, the Arizona State baseball team managed to secure an 11-8 victory over host Nebraska, keeping their dreams of an NCAA Tournament deep run alive.
An Offensive Explosion: ASU Takes Control Early
For the first six innings, the Sun Devils looked untouchable. ASU stormed to an 11-1 lead, powered by a relentless offensive attack that left the Cornhuskers searching for answers. The star of the show was undoubtedly Dominic Smaldino, who delivered a powerhouse performance, including a massive grand slam in the bottom of the sixth.
Smaldino’s grand slam wasn’t just a highlight; it was a statement, marking his 12th grand slam of the season—a nation-leading feat. The offensive onslaught also featured home runs from Dominic Longo and Nu’u Contrads, with Smaldino finishing the day with an impressive six RBIs.
Pitching Excellence and a Nail-Biting Finish
The victory was anchored by a stellar performance from starter Colby Guy. In his first start of the season, Guy was nearly flawless, pitching six innings, allowing only one run and four hits while striking out seven. His efficiency kept Nebraska off balance for the majority of the contest.
However, the lead began to shrink in the later stages. Reliever Josh Butler struggled in the seventh, surrendering five runs, and Taylor Penn gave up two more in the ninth. With the tying run at the plate and the pressure mounting, closer Derek Schaefer stepped up, securing the final two fly outs to earn the save and seal the win.
Drama on the Diamond: The Hairston Ejection
The game wasn’t without its controversies. ASU standout Landon Hairston, who holds the school record for home runs in a single season (28), was ejected in the fourth inning. After taking a called strike three, Hairston flipped his bat, leading to an immediate ejection by the umpires. Due to the incident, Hairston is expected to serve a one-game suspension, missing the upcoming critical matchup.
What’s Next for the Sun Devils?
The victory over Nebraska sets the stage for a high-voltage rematch. Arizona State will face Ole Miss in a battle for survival. Here is what you need to know about the next game:
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- Opponent: Ole Miss
- Time: 5 p.m. MST
- Where to Watch: Live streaming on ESPN+
If ASU prevails, they will force a decisive game on Monday in the double-elimination regional round. The Sun Devils have shown they have the firepower to dominate; now, they just need to maintain their composure to advance further in the bracket.
