ASU clinches series win over Utah off the back of a dominant Kole Klecker start

Klecker's seven-inning outing helps Sun Devils secure series victory over Utes

Apr. 13, 2026 at 2:05am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist, geometric painting depicting a college baseball game, with overlapping planes of navy, crimson, and gold representing the dynamic action on the field.Klecker's masterful pitching performance and the Sun Devils' timely home runs propelled ASU to a crucial series-clinching victory over Utah.Phoenix Today

Arizona State senior right-handed pitcher Kole Klecker delivered a dominant seven-inning performance, limiting Utah to two runs on four hits and a walk, to lead the No. 20 Sun Devils to a 5-2 series-clinching victory over the Utes on Sunday. Klecker's outing was crucial after ASU used six bullpen arms in Saturday's 14-13 win, and his composure and execution allowed the Sun Devil offense to provide just enough support with three home runs.

Why it matters

Klecker's strong start was a much-needed boost for an ASU pitching staff that had struggled in the first two games of the series, and his ability to go deep into the game helped preserve the bullpen for the Sun Devils' upcoming rivalry matchup against Arizona on Monday. The win also clinched the series for ASU, keeping them in the hunt in the competitive Big 12 conference.

The details

Klecker was in control for most of his outing, allowing only one earned run and striking out four batters. He was able to limit free passes and work quickly, spending as little time on the mound as possible. The Sun Devil defense also played well behind Klecker, with third baseman Dominic Longo making several impressive plays. ASU's offense provided just enough support, with home runs from Dean Toigo, Nu'u Contrades, and Landon Hairston accounting for all five of the team's runs.

  • Klecker departed the mound after the final out in the top of the seventh inning.
  • It took Klecker 101 pitches to complete his seven-inning outing on Sunday afternoon.

The players

Kole Klecker

A senior right-handed pitcher for Arizona State University who delivered a dominant seven-inning performance, limiting Utah to two runs on four hits and a walk.

Dominic Longo

A versatile junior athlete for Arizona State who started at third base and made several impressive defensive plays to support Klecker's outing.

Dean Toigo

A fifth-year right fielder for Arizona State who hit a solo home run in the first inning to give the Sun Devils an early lead.

Nu'u Contrades

A redshirt junior designated hitter for Arizona State who hit a home run immediately following Toigo's blast in the first inning.

Landon Hairston

A sophomore center fielder for Arizona State who hit a two-run home run in the fifth inning to break a 2-2 tie and give the Sun Devils the lead for good.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“'(I) love having a veteran guy on Sunday who knows what he's doing and is able to keep his composure and keep his cool and not let the moments get too big,'”

— Willie Bloomquist, ASU head coach

“'First couple of innings, just left a couple pitches down the middle, they put good swings on it. But after that, I feel like I did a good job staying out of the middle, and then obviously, let the defense work behind me.'”

— Kole Klecker, ASU pitcher

“'We call him Harry Bonds. Kid rakes, pretty fun to pitch behind him, knowing any AB he can just launch a homer.'”

— Kole Klecker, ASU pitcher

What’s next

The Sun Devils will be back at Phoenix Municipal Stadium on Monday night to take on their in-state rival, the Arizona Wildcats, in the fifth and final meeting between the two teams this season.

The takeaway

Klecker's dominant outing was a crucial bounce-back performance for the ASU pitching staff after a taxing win on Saturday, and his ability to go deep into the game while limiting damage allowed the Sun Devil offense to provide just enough support to clinch the series victory over Utah. The win keeps ASU in the hunt in the competitive Big 12 conference, and sets them up for a key rivalry matchup against Arizona on Monday.