Feb. 20, 2009

Box Score

TEMPE, Ariz. - Josh Spence threw six shutout innings and struck out six to lead Arizona State University to a 15-3 victory over the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee baseball team Friday night at Packard Stadium. The Sun Devils (1-0), ranked as high as No. 6 in the preseason polls, jumped ahead in the first inning and never looked back in handing the Panthers (0-1) the season-opening loss.

"It's a tough situation, because we know what we are up against when we schedule like this," UWM head coach Scott Doffek said. "But, tomorrow is another day. Tonight was not the result we were expecting. It was poor execution in numerous aspects for us - we didn't pitch to spots, didn't work ahead, didn't get quality at bats as a whole and didn't defend well. Against a team like this, they will expose you."

Milwaukee starter Brad Lusti (0-1) gave up a two-run home run in the first before surrendering four more in the second. He settled down after that, but the 6-0 hole was too much.

Spence kept the Panthers in check in his six innings of work, allowing just two hits. Kyle Brule picked up a save with three innings, but did allow three unearned runs in the ninth.

Senior Andy Gerhartz was hit by a pitch with two outs and scored on an error. Junior Tim Patzman followed with a long two-run home run to close out the scoring.

In addition to Patzman, senior Ben Long and sophomore Doug Dekoning had the other base hits for UWM. Matt Newman led Arizona State with five RBI and Jason Kipnis went 4-for-4.

On the mound, newcomers threw the final three innings for Milwaukee, with freshman Greg Blohowiak allowing one earned run in 2.0 innings with two strikeouts and junior Gabe Marshall working a scoreless ninth.

These two teams are set to battle in a doubleheader tomorrow, with first pitch in game one scheduled for 2 p.m. CST.