Sun Devils rally for wild walk-off win over Utah

ASU overcomes 7-run ninth-inning collapse to defeat Utes 14-13

Apr. 12, 2026 at 3:36pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a baseball game in progress, with the players and field rendered in a fractured, multi-angled style using bold, clashing colors to capture the intensity of the moment.Arizona State's thrilling walk-off win over Utah showcases the raw energy and unpredictability of college baseball.Cave Creek Today

The Arizona State Sun Devils baseball team overcame a dramatic ninth-inning collapse to defeat the Utah Utes 14-13 in a walk-off victory on Saturday night. The Sun Devils had built a 12-5 lead heading into the ninth, but Utah scored 8 runs in the top of the inning to take a 13-12 advantage. However, ASU responded with a game-tying home run and then a walk-off single to complete the comeback.

Why it matters

This wild win keeps the Sun Devils in the hunt for the Big 12 title, as they improve to 25-11 overall and 8-6 in conference play. The offensive explosion, led by 5 home runs, shows the Sun Devils' potent lineup, but the near-collapse in the 9th inning also highlights the team's pitching struggles at times this season.

The details

Arizona State had seemingly cruised to victory, building a 12-5 lead heading into the 9th inning. But the Sun Devils' closer Derek Schaefer surrendered a leadoff home run and then struggled to record outs, allowing Utah to score 8 runs in the frame and take a 13-12 lead. ASU had to turn to multiple relievers to try and stop the bleeding, but the Utes took advantage of walks and wild pitches to complete the comeback. However, the Sun Devils' offense responded in the bottom of the 9th, as junior shortstop PJ Moutzouridis hit a game-tying solo home run. ASU then loaded the bases, setting the stage for graduate DH Matt Polk's walk-off single to win the game.

  • The Sun Devils led 12-5 entering the top of the 9th inning.
  • Utah scored 8 runs in the top of the 9th to take a 13-12 lead.
  • PJ Moutzouridis hit a game-tying home run in the bottom of the 9th.
  • Matt Polk delivered the walk-off single in the bottom of the 9th.

The players

Matt Polk

Arizona State graduate designated hitter who hit the game-winning walk-off single in the bottom of the 9th inning.

Willie Bloomquist

Arizona State head baseball coach who expressed frustration with his team's pitching struggles but praised their offensive resilience.

Derek Schaefer

Arizona State junior right-handed closer who was unable to protect a 7-run lead in the 9th inning.

PJ Moutzouridis

Arizona State junior shortstop who hit the game-tying home run in the bottom of the 9th inning.

Landon Hairston

Arizona State sophomore center fielder who hit two home runs in the game, giving him 22 on the season.

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What they’re saying

“That was probably one of the most gut-wrenching things I've ever watched. I don't really have a whole lot positive to say other than the fact that I'm really, really impressed with the fact that our offense was able to come in after that inning and put up two runs. A lesser team folds right there.”

— Willie Bloomquist, Arizona State head baseball coach

“I can't tell you how much of a sigh of relief that was.”

— Landon Hairston, Arizona State sophomore center fielder

“I've never seen a kid locked in like this for this length of time. He's having one of those incredible stretches.”

— Willie Bloomquist, Arizona State head baseball coach

“Everything went out the door. It was just about getting the job done for the boys. (I) was really just trying to get a ball up and hit it hard into the middle of the field, I got around it a little bit, and got it into that six-hole.”

— Matt Polk, Arizona State graduate designated hitter

“I think our potential is through the roof. Once everything gets clicking on all cylinders, I think there's not a team in America that could beat us.”

— Matt Polk, Arizona State graduate designated hitter

What’s next

The Sun Devils and Utes will play the rubber match of their three-game series on Sunday afternoon.

The takeaway

This wild comeback win showcases the offensive firepower of the Arizona State Sun Devils, who hit 5 home runs in the game. However, the near-collapse in the 9th inning also exposed the team's ongoing pitching struggles, an issue that head coach Willie Bloomquist says must be addressed for the Sun Devils to reach their full potential this season.