WICHITA, Kan. -- The 21st-ranked Arizona State baseball team scored four runs with two outs in the opening inning and held on to earn its second consecutive road win over Wichita State, 4-2, on Wednesday night at Eck Stadium.
Right fielder Trever Allen went 2 for 4 with his fifth triple of the season, which is tied for the most in the Pac-12, and drove in three runs to power the Sun Devils (17-8-1), who were held scoreless over the final 8 1/3 innings.
Second baseman James McDonald took a five-pitch walk with two outs in the first inning to begin a string of six consecutive base runners for ASU. Catcher Max Rossiter singled and left fielder Jake Peevyhouse was hit by a pitch to load the bases for Allen, who cleared them with a three-run triple to right field. Designated hitter Nate Causey followed with an RBI single to put the Devils ahead 4-0.
Starting right-hander Zak Miller (1-0) struck out four and gave up just one run on seven hits and three walks to earn his first win of the season and second of his career.
Right-hander Alex Blackford (1) posted his first save of the season and the third of his career after throwing a perfect ninth inning. He earned the win in last night's game against WSU to finish the two-game series with a win and a save in 1 1/3 innings pitched.
The Shockers (16-14) cut the deficit to two, 4-2, with a run in both the fifth and sixth innings, but right-hander Darin Gilliesconceded just one hit and struck out three in two innings of relief before Blackford closed it out.
Right-hander Mark Lambson took over for Miller in the sixth and gave up one run on two hits in an inning.
Wichita State starting right-hander Zach Beringer (1-2) was pulled with two outs in the opening inning after he allowed four runs on a quartet of hits and a walk.
ASU returns to host No. 11 Oregon for a three-game series Friday-Sunday at Packard Stadium.
