4/19/25 - Tritons Offense Continues to be Hot, but the Bullpen Stays Cold
The Tritons traveled to Scottsdale, Arizona to take on Arizona State at the San Francisco Giants spring training stadium! Coming off of a disappointing series against University of Arizona, the Tritons came with a fire to win.
Game 1: The Tritons started the weekend hot, scoring 4 runs in the second inning to take a 4 -1 lead on 5 singles with most of the lineup contributing to the early lead. They would continue to score in the 4th and 5th innings to go up 6-1, with Tyler Kong, Jaydee Denning, Ethan Neuner, and Lincoln Wirschem each with 2 hits. In the bottom of the 5th, the Sun Devils would score 2 runs on two singles and a triple which is the first real life they showed on offense. A fielder's choice scored the Sun Devils another run to put them down 2. UCSD would continue to hit singles in the 7th to go up 7-4 entering the last half inning of the game. However, a slow start for the bullpen meant two runners were put on for free for ASU. They would chain together 3 singles to score 3 runs, tying the game and loading the bases. The Tritons would walk in the losing run, ending the game 8-7.
Game 2: The Tritons began to bounce back in the second game scoring 2 runs in the first inning after a walk, hit by pitch, and then a couple singles. The Sun Devils would score off an error in the first, but would find their rhythm in the third innings, scoring 3 runs on 4 hits and a walk. A few errors followed by a double scored the Sun Devils 2 more in the 4th, putting the Tritons down 6-2. The 5th inning turned out to be a nightmare with many walks and hits giving the Sun Devils 6 runs and the win off a run rule.
Game 3: The Tritons changed their strategy around and the result was a high scoring chaotic game. The Tritons found themselves down 6-0 after three innings due to some hits, walks, and the smallest strike zone NCBA has ever seen. However, they flipped the script in the 4th, scoring 5 runs to close the gap to only 1 run through incredible plate discipline and a few timely hits. The Tritons continued scoring in the 6th on 4 singles to tie the game at 7. They surpassed the Sun Devils as their offense finally boomed in the 7th innings on back to back triples by Makai Morisaki and Ethan Neuner, followed by a double from JP Herd. Walks and singles were thrown in the mix, giving the Tritons a 12-7 lead. ASU scored two runs in response after multiple extra base hits, but the Tritons would add to their lead with a few walks, hit by pitches, and an error from the Sun Devils. The Tritons added a run in the 9th and finished the game strong, winnings 18-10.