ASU rallies late to sweep Omaha in season-opening series

Sophomore Beckett Zavorek delivers game-winning hit in eighth inning to cap four-run comeback

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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After falling behind 4-0 early, Arizona State University's baseball team rallied with four runs in the eighth inning to defeat the University of Nebraska Omaha 6-4 and complete a season-opening series sweep. Sophomore infielder Beckett Zavorek delivered the go-ahead two-run single with the bases loaded to cap the comeback, while sophomore right-hander Jaden Alba provided 4.1 scoreless innings of relief to keep the Mavericks at bay.

Why it matters

The comeback win showcased ASU's resilience and ability to win close games, an important trait for a team with championship aspirations. The Sun Devils overcame a rocky start from sophomore pitcher Easton Barrett to rally late, demonstrating the depth and mental toughness of the squad.

The details

ASU fell behind 4-0 early as Barrett struggled with his control, walking four batters in the first inning. Omaha capitalized with a two-run single in the second to make it 4-0. But the Sun Devils chipped away, getting a solo home run from sophomore catcher Brody Briggs in the third and a solo shot from graduate outfielder Dean Toigo in the sixth to pull within one. In the eighth, ASU loaded the bases and Zavorek delivered the go-ahead two-run single to complete the comeback.

  • In the first inning, Barrett struck out the first batter but then walked four straight to force in a run.
  • In the second inning, Omaha strung together three hits and another walk to extend their lead to 4-0.
  • In the third inning, Briggs hit a solo home run to get ASU on the board.
  • In the sixth inning, Toigo hit a solo home run to pull ASU within one run at 4-3.
  • In the eighth inning, Zavorek delivered the go-ahead two-run single to give ASU a 6-4 lead.

The players

Beckett Zavorek

A sophomore infielder for Arizona State University who delivered the game-winning hit in the eighth inning to complete the comeback.

Jaden Alba

A junior right-handed pitcher for Arizona State University who entered in the second inning and delivered 4.1 scoreless innings of relief to keep the Mavericks at bay.

Easton Barrett

A sophomore left-handed pitcher for Arizona State University who struggled with his control in his first start of the season, walking four batters in the first inning.

Brody Briggs

A sophomore catcher for Arizona State University who hit a solo home run in the third inning to spark the Sun Devils' comeback.

Dean Toigo

A graduate outfielder for Arizona State University who hit a solo home run in the sixth inning to pull the Sun Devils within one run.

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What they’re saying

“Beckett, he's one of those kids. He's just a gamer.”

— Willie Bloomquist, Head Coach, Arizona State University (on3.com)

“Alba did a heck of a job coming in. Even he started off a little shaky and out of the zone and not sharp, but he settled in great. Gave us the length that we needed.”

— Willie Bloomquist, Head Coach, Arizona State University (on3.com)

“Briggs, his overall energy kick-started us. The homer was icing on the cake. From an offensive standpoint, yeah, it got us rolling a little bit. But I look at what he did behind the plate. Guys were flat. When you walk that many guys early, you have a defense standing around. He never once wavered in his energy behind the dish.”

— Willie Bloomquist, Head Coach, Arizona State University (on3.com)

What’s next

The Sun Devils will look to continue their momentum when they host the University of California, Los Angeles for a three-game series starting on Friday.

The takeaway

Arizona State's comeback win showcased the team's resilience and ability to win close games, an important trait for a squad with championship aspirations. The Sun Devils demonstrated depth and mental toughness in overcoming a rocky start to complete the series sweep of Omaha.