Emotions Flare as ASU Drops Series Opener to Utah

Sun Devils coach Willie Bloomquist ejected after confrontation with umpire over player ejections

Apr. 11, 2026 at 7:23am

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A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting the heated confrontation between players and coaches from the Arizona State and Utah baseball teams, with sharp geometric shapes and planes of vibrant team colors creating a dynamic, chaotic visual representation of the on-field emotions.The heated exchange between ASU and Utah players and coaches erupts into a tense, confrontational scene on the baseball diamond.Phoenix Today

In a tense Friday night matchup, the Arizona State Sun Devils fell 10-4 to the Utah Utes, with emotions boiling over on the field. ASU head coach Willie Bloomquist was ejected after arguing with an umpire over the ejection of his catcher Brody Briggs, who had been engaged in trash talk with Utah pitcher Colter McAnelly. Despite a three-run home run from sophomore center fielder Landon Hairston, the Sun Devils' bats struggled against the Utes pitching, managing just four hits on the night.

Why it matters

The loss drops Arizona State to 24-11 overall and 7-6 in Big 12 play, while Utah improves to 17-13 and 6-7 in conference. The chippy nature of the game, with warnings issued to both dugouts, highlights the intensity of the rivalry between these two Pac-12 programs and the high stakes of conference play. Bloomquist's ejection also raises questions about the Sun Devils' discipline and focus as they look to bounce back in the series.

The details

The game turned tense in the bottom of the sixth inning when Briggs and McAnelly exchanged words after Briggs popped out. Warnings had already been issued to both teams, and Bloomquist rushed onto the field to argue on Briggs' behalf, leading to his ejection. Hairston's three-run homer in the seventh cut Utah's lead to 6-4, but the Sun Devils managed just one more hit the rest of the way as the Utes pulled away late.

  • The game was played on Friday, April 11, 2026.
  • Bloomquist was ejected in the bottom of the sixth inning.

The players

Willie Bloomquist

The head coach of the Arizona State Sun Devils baseball team.

Brody Briggs

The sophomore catcher for the Arizona State Sun Devils.

Colter McAnelly

The 6-4 right-handed pitcher for the Utah Utes.

Landon Hairston

The sophomore center fielder for the Arizona State Sun Devils who hit a three-run home run.

Nathan White

The first base umpire who ejected Bloomquist.

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What they’re saying

“He popped the ball up, and I saw the pitcher going down the line, almost imitating or mimicking him and instigating again. Am I frowning upon that? Am I saying that kid is wrong? No, I'm not. But if there are warnings in place, which there were, that kid should be tossed.”

— Willie Bloomquist, Arizona State Head Coach

“Interesting night to say the least, I guess just we were not sharp again, on the mound, at the plate, just didn't have our have our a game tonight. We're focused on playing a better brand of baseball right now. The last handful of games have just not been what I expect, and we address it, and things are, at times, better, but at times, just consistently leveling is just not where we need it to be.”

— Willie Bloomquist, Arizona State Head Coach

What’s next

The Sun Devils and Utes will continue their series on Saturday, April 12, 2026, with the second game of the three-game set.

The takeaway

This chippy game highlights the intensity of the rivalry between Arizona State and Utah, as well as the Sun Devils' struggles to maintain their focus and discipline in recent games. Bloomquist will need to get his team refocused and playing with more consistency if they hope to bounce back and win the series.