In their opening match of the series, Kansas baseball encountered a challenging defeat against Arizona State with a final score of 9-2 at Phoenix Municipal Stadium. Despite drawing eight walks, the Jayhawks managed only four hits. Sophomore Dominic Voegele started for Kansas but faced difficulties, allowing seven runs over 5.2 innings before taking the loss. The game saw crucial moments and standout performances from both teams.

The Sun Devils capitalized on scoring opportunities early and maintained momentum throughout the game. Their offense was bolstered by Josiah Cromwick’s two home runs and strategic plays by Nu’u Contrades. Meanwhile, notable defensive errors allowed the Jayhawks to score, but they struggled to gain significant ground offensively. Key players for Kansas included Brady Counsell, who extended his on-base streak, and Ballinger, contributing with multi-hit games.

Kansas' Offensive Challenges and Defensive Highlights

Despite having several promising opportunities, Kansas's offensive efforts fell short against Arizona State. In the first inning, the Jayhawks loaded the bases with no outs but failed to capitalize. This trend continued as they were limited to just four hits while drawing eight walks. Derek Cerda scored in the fifth inning due to a fielding error, providing Kansas's first run. Later, Brady Counsell delivered a two-out RBI double in the seventh inning, bringing the score to 7-2.

The Jayhawks faced an uphill battle from the start. After Arizona State took an early lead, Kansas struggled to find consistent rhythm offensively. Their inability to convert key opportunities into runs became a recurring theme. Although they managed some crucial plays defensively, including capitalizing on errors, these were not enough to overcome the deficit. Notable contributions came from Counsell, whose on-base streak reached 11 games, showcasing resilience amidst challenges. Brooks also demonstrated consistency by reaching base safely in 11 consecutive games, highlighting individual brilliance despite the team's struggles.

Arizona State's Dominant Performance and Pitching Duel

Arizona State dominated the contest through strategic plays and timely hitting. Early in the game, they capitalized on runners in scoring position, taking a 1-0 lead in the first inning via an RBI fielder’s choice. Josiah Cromwick further strengthened their lead with a solo home run in the second inning, followed by another two-run homer in the fourth. These pivotal moments helped establish a commanding 4-0 lead for the Sun Devils. They extended their advantage with three more runs in the sixth inning and added two additional runs in the seventh, solidifying their victory.

Pitching performances played a critical role in determining the outcome. Jonah Giblin earned the win for Arizona State, pitching effectively over three innings, allowing one run with three strikeouts. Conversely, Dominic Voegele struggled for Kansas, surrendering seven runs over 5.2 innings. His final line included nine hits and four strikeouts. The Sun Devils showcased superior execution both offensively and defensively, maintaining pressure throughout the game. With standout performances like Cromwick's dual home runs and consistent contributions from other players, Arizona State sealed their victory convincingly. The series continues Saturday evening, where Kansas aims to adjust strategies and improve performance against a formidable opponent.