ASU travels to Baylor for a much needed road series against a decent opponent.
Both programs fighting for their post season lives with the Devils currently projected to make the field while Baylor is on the outside looking in as the season nears an end.
A few weeks into the season I questioned if the ASU middle infield was Big 12 quality. Transfers Matt King and Kyle Walker were struggling at the plate but coming down the stretch, both are likely top 10 candidates for Big 12 POY with King possibly a leading candidate leading the league in hitting at .410. It can be easy to overlook their contribution to the defense as well. King (.983) and Walker (.982) have been rock solid defensively. Compare that to Odina (.942) and Mendoza (.945) last year and it is very clear that Bloomquist has upgraded the positions both defensively and offensively. The duo has just 5 errors compared to 20 last season.
Another story in the ASU lineup has been freshman Landon Hairston. He started the season on the bench and was there until Vu's injury gave him an opportunity to play. He's done nothing but hit .362 and be flawless in all 58 chances defensively making Bloomquist find a spot for him even with a healthy Vu.
It's becoming clear why some fans say this team has so much "potential". If Tobias and Compton can just hit like they did last season this lineup is lethal.
Pitching wise, the numbers have slipped a little bit. Carlon is our most trusted arm without a question. Jacobs and Martinez are both work horses but will give up runs and are inefficient. Both are strike out pitchers so they seem to have high pitch counts. Jacobs having thrown 100+ in 6 straight starts.
2-1 needs to be the goal this weekend.
What are you looking for from the Devils in Baylor?
Both programs fighting for their post season lives with the Devils currently projected to make the field while Baylor is on the outside looking in as the season nears an end.
A few weeks into the season I questioned if the ASU middle infield was Big 12 quality. Transfers Matt King and Kyle Walker were struggling at the plate but coming down the stretch, both are likely top 10 candidates for Big 12 POY with King possibly a leading candidate leading the league in hitting at .410. It can be easy to overlook their contribution to the defense as well. King (.983) and Walker (.982) have been rock solid defensively. Compare that to Odina (.942) and Mendoza (.945) last year and it is very clear that Bloomquist has upgraded the positions both defensively and offensively. The duo has just 5 errors compared to 20 last season.
Another story in the ASU lineup has been freshman Landon Hairston. He started the season on the bench and was there until Vu's injury gave him an opportunity to play. He's done nothing but hit .362 and be flawless in all 58 chances defensively making Bloomquist find a spot for him even with a healthy Vu.
It's becoming clear why some fans say this team has so much "potential". If Tobias and Compton can just hit like they did last season this lineup is lethal.
Pitching wise, the numbers have slipped a little bit. Carlon is our most trusted arm without a question. Jacobs and Martinez are both work horses but will give up runs and are inefficient. Both are strike out pitchers so they seem to have high pitch counts. Jacobs having thrown 100+ in 6 straight starts.
2-1 needs to be the goal this weekend.
What are you looking for from the Devils in Baylor?
