Four home runs propel ASU to series win over Omaha

Nine players recorded hits, and three of the homers came from newcomers, showing how quickly the new-look lineup is settling in.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Arizona State University's baseball team defeated the University of Nebraska Omaha 11-5 on Saturday, securing a series win to start the 2026 season. The Sun Devils hit four home runs, including a grand slam by junior infielder Nu'u Contrades, and got a strong pitching performance from junior right-hander Colin Linder in his first Division I start.

Why it matters

This early-season series win over Omaha provides an encouraging sign for ASU as they prepare to face a demanding stretch of games against SEC opponents in the coming weeks. The power display from both newcomers and returning players suggests the Sun Devils' lineup is quickly coming together.

The details

ASU finished with 12 hits and four home runs, keeping pressure on Omaha all night. Nine players recorded hits, and three of the homers came from newcomers, showing how quickly the new-look lineup is settling in. The biggest swing belonged to junior infielder Nu'u Contrades, who capped a five-run third inning with a grand slam. Junior right-hander Colin Linder followed with four strong innings, allowing one run in his first Saturday start and first appearance since Tommy John surgery.

  • On Saturday, February 15, 2026, ASU defeated Omaha 11-5 to secure a series win to open the 2026 season.

The players

Nu'u Contrades

A junior infielder and team captain for ASU, Contrades hit a grand slam in the third inning to highlight the Sun Devils' offensive outburst.

Colin Linder

A junior right-handed pitcher making his first Division I start, Linder worked four innings and allowed one run in his first appearance since undergoing Tommy John surgery.

Matt Polk

A Vanderbilt transfer and graduate outfielder, Polk hit a solo home run in the second inning in his first collegiate at-bat since June 2024 after missing all of last season.

Dominic Smaldino

A Cal transfer and junior infielder, Smaldino hit a 423-foot home run in the fifth inning, showcasing the power throughout ASU's lineup.

Dean Toigo

A UNLV transfer and graduate outfielder, Toigo was the 2025 Mountain West Co-Player of the Year and Big 12 preseason newcomer of the year, and he hit a solo home run in the sixth inning.

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What they’re saying

“He's team captain for a reason. He's that guy that is extremely valuable for us. Dynamic player. Has a lot of different ways he can beat you in his game. Defensively, made a couple nice plays defensively as well today. Offensively, can hit for average, hit for power, steal bases. He's a complete package.”

— Willie Bloomquist, Head Coach (on3.com)

“I was manifesting it since the last time I played. Bloom told me to be ready, and I was ready for the opportunity. Hopefully, as a team, we can keep this rolling and keep stacking wins.”

— Matt Polk, Graduate Outfielder (on3.com)

“I think our strategy was more just hunting our zone, hunting mistakes over the heart of the plate. I think we did a really good job today of taking balls under the zone. And that's a big focus for us. If we can do that, take the balls and swing at strikes, we're going to do damage.”

— Dominic Smaldino, Junior Infielder (on3.com)

What’s next

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The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.