Some people say baseball is boring. They say it's a slow paced, low action game. I've got the perfect video to prove otherwise. The ASU vs. Arkansas regional game held at Packard Stadium on Saturday night was a game to remember. How's this for drama? With 2-outs in the 9th inning, a runner on 3rd base, and a 2 strike count, Pac-10 player of the year Zack MacPhee hits a chopper to the left side of the infield. The pitcher fields the ball, overthrowing first base as the tying run crosses the plate. The Devils proceed to load the bases and Ruettiger hits a chopper up the middle. The SS fields the ball and flips it to the 2nd baseman to get the out by a matter of inches. How is that for a dose of drama?
Mitchell Lambson came on to pitch 5 innings of 1-hit ball and shut down a feisty Arkansas lineup which climbed out of an early 3-0 deficit. Fast forward to the bottom of the 12th inning. Calhoun led off with a walk. Riccio Torrez got plunked by a pitch to put men at first and second. Ruettiger came up and bunted a ball hard down the line, which the third basemen fielded perfectly and got the force out at 2nd, leaving men on first and third, and a chance for a double play to end the inning. Deven Marrero came up to bat in what was a perfect intentional walk situation. Why not load the bases and get the easy force at home on a ground ball? Instead, Arkansas decided to pitch to Marrero and he made them pay. With a liner up the middle into the outfield, the Devils took game one of the best of 3 series and with it all the momentum there is to be had.
With one more win against the Razorbacks, the Devils will be heading to Omaha as the likely favorite to win the WS. Incase you missed the game, check out ESPN3.COM for a replay, it's worth it.