Who: ASU v Ohio State
Where: Phoenix Muni
When: Fri-Sun
Coverage: ESPN+
Tickets: Link
Series Goal: Win 2 of 3
Keys to a Sun Devil Series win
1) Pitching Efficiency: On opening weekend, Bloomquist has shown that he will protect arms. I wouldn't expect any pitcher this weekend to top 70 pitches even if they are cruising. Can the Devils win a series that will feature the bullpen depth we've been hearing about?
2) K/BB ratio: Last season in a game 1 loss against OSU, ASU had 11k/1BB. This is a theme in Sun Devil losses over the last several seasons.
3) Execution: ASU has a new catcher, 2B, and SS. Luckily there is experience there, but when the middle of the field hasn't played together, there is a chance for miscues. We've also got a 3B coming off of a back injury.
4) Runnin Bucks: ASU has struggled defensively against teams that run. Ohio State stole 90 bases last season and only looks to be faster after adding CF transfer Reggie Bussey who stole 31 bases by himself in 24' for the Oakland Grizzlies. Their new HC (Campbell Camels) regularly has teams that steal 130+ bases.
Overall: ASU is the better team. The Buckeyes are picked to finish 11th in a suspect Big 10 and will likely end up being a Q3 opponent. I'd like to see a sweep, but 2/3 keeps us on pace.
Where: Phoenix Muni
When: Fri-Sun
Coverage: ESPN+
Tickets: Link
Series Goal: Win 2 of 3
Keys to a Sun Devil Series win
1) Pitching Efficiency: On opening weekend, Bloomquist has shown that he will protect arms. I wouldn't expect any pitcher this weekend to top 70 pitches even if they are cruising. Can the Devils win a series that will feature the bullpen depth we've been hearing about?
2) K/BB ratio: Last season in a game 1 loss against OSU, ASU had 11k/1BB. This is a theme in Sun Devil losses over the last several seasons.
3) Execution: ASU has a new catcher, 2B, and SS. Luckily there is experience there, but when the middle of the field hasn't played together, there is a chance for miscues. We've also got a 3B coming off of a back injury.
4) Runnin Bucks: ASU has struggled defensively against teams that run. Ohio State stole 90 bases last season and only looks to be faster after adding CF transfer Reggie Bussey who stole 31 bases by himself in 24' for the Oakland Grizzlies. Their new HC (Campbell Camels) regularly has teams that steal 130+ bases.
Overall: ASU is the better team. The Buckeyes are picked to finish 11th in a suspect Big 10 and will likely end up being a Q3 opponent. I'd like to see a sweep, but 2/3 keeps us on pace.
