ASU Baseball: Sun Devils slug way to win over No. 9 Oregon

ASU baseball's quest to go Duck hunting didn't go awry tonight.

The Sun Devils (25-21, 13-10 Pac-12) torched No. 9 Oregon for nine runs in the first four innings and escaped an early deficit to win 9-4 and snap the team's five-game losing streak.

The Ducks (36-15, 14-9) jumped on Sun Devil sophomore starter Ryan Kellogg in the first inning for all four of their runs, finished off by a three-run home run from redshirt junior outfielder Kyle Garlick to straightaway center field.

The Sun Devil offense responded immediately, putting up four in the bottom of the first inning, highlighted by freshman catcher Brian Serven's two-out RBI single.

The Sun Devils got to Ducks redshirt senior starter Jeff Gold again in the second inning, putting up four more runs before ending Gold's night in the third inning.

Gold allowed eight runs (four earned) in 2 2/3 innings to pick up his first loss of the season after winning his first nine decisions.

"Our guys came right back and had great at-bats," Esmay said. "Really in the first four innings, we just kept coming."

In total, the one through five hitters for the Sun Devils finished a combined 10-for-22 one night after going 2-for-19.

Sophomore outfielder Johnny Sewald finished with a career-high four hits and three runs scored and said his team was more prepared Saturday night.

"We had a good hitting approach off (Gold) and we knew it was an important game to come out and swing the bats," Sewald said.

Kellogg (7-2) did his part after the first inning,  not allowing another run and piling up a career-high 12 strikeouts in eight innings.

Sewald credited a strong outing from Kellogg for allowing the offense to loosen up and hit the baseball.

"Ryan Kellogg pitched his butt off," Sewald said. "It's always nice to go out there and know you don't have to score that many runs when he's pitching. He did a great job tonight."

The Sun Devils will go for the series win tomorrow at noon with coverage on Pac-12 Networks.