Missed chances sink ASU in 11-inning loss to Arizona

ASU's offense stalls late as in-state rival Arizona holds on for 5-3 midweek win

Apr. 14, 2026 at 7:08am

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A cubist-style painting depicting a baseball game in motion, with players, bats, and a ball broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes and planes of vibrant team colors against a neutral stadium backdrop, conveying the dynamic energy and high-stakes rivalry of the matchup.A cubist interpretation of the high-stakes rivalry between Arizona State and Arizona, capturing the game's intensity through a fragmented, multi-angled visual style.Phoenix Today

Despite a late-inning comeback to force extra innings, the Arizona State University baseball team could not capitalize on its opportunities, falling 5-3 to in-state rival Arizona in 11 innings. The Sun Devils struggled at the plate, going 1-for-10 with runners in scoring position, as the Wildcats held on for the midweek victory.

Why it matters

This loss is a setback for an ASU team that had been surging just weeks ago, raising questions about their ability to maintain momentum and close out tight games against quality opponents. The Sun Devils' issues with runners in scoring position have persisted, and this defeat dulls some of their recent positive momentum as they look to solidify their standing as a regional host contender.

The details

ASU clawed back from a 3-1 deficit in the eighth inning to force extra innings, but the game unraveled late as the Sun Devils' offense stalled. Mental and throwing errors crept in, and ASU could not deliver in key moments, going 1-for-10 with runners in scoring position. Arizona broke through in the 11th, pushing across the deciding runs to take the win.

  • The game was played on Tuesday night, April 14, 2026.
  • ASU entered the game having won 14 of its previous 18 contests, but has gone just 6-6 in its last 12 games.

The players

Nu'u Contrades

ASU junior infielder who carried the lineup, finishing with a double and a game-tying two-run home run.

Landon Hairston

ASU sophomore outfielder who typically serves as a stabilizing force but went 1-for-5 with two key missed opportunities to end the game.

Patrick Morris

Arizona senior left-hander who, along with junior right-hander Corey Kling, combined to allow just three hits and one earned run through six innings against ASU.

Willie Bloomquist

ASU head coach who expressed disappointment in his team's offensive execution, saying they "had our opportunities" but "just didn't get it done."

Austin Musso

ASU freshman right-hander who made just his second career start, allowing three solo home runs but stabilizing the pitching staff with four innings of work.

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What they’re saying

“Had our opportunities. Just didn't get it done. Bottom line, no excuses. We had several opportunities to cash in runs. We just couldn't. Couldn't come up with a big hit again... Offensively, with the wind blowing the way it was, to only put up three runs was disappointing.”

— Willie Bloomquist, Head Coach

“I think guys were potentially letting the emotions of the game get the best of them. We had a tremendous, tremendous crowd here tonight, over 6,000 people, and a big student section that we were grateful came out. We just put them to sleep, unfortunately, on the offensive side of the ball, which was disappointing.”

— Willie Bloomquist, Head Coach

What’s next

ASU will look to bounce back on Friday when they host BYU, a team coming off a sweep in Houston. Coach Bloomquist acknowledged the challenge ahead, saying "we have to figure out ways to win, try to win games on the road."

The takeaway

This loss highlights ASU's ongoing struggles with runners in scoring position and their inability to capitalize on key opportunities, even in front of a large home crowd. The Sun Devils' recent slide has raised concerns about their ability to maintain their earlier season momentum and secure a regional hosting spot, underscoring the need for more consistent offensive production.