The No. 21 Arizona State baseball team (20-13, 6-6) return to Packard Stadium this weekend for a crucial series against the USC Trojans (19-11, 5-6).
The Sun Devils split a midweek series against New Mexico this past Monday and Tuesday. ASU lost the first game 15-6 to the Lobos and won game two, 3-1, behind a strong pitching performance by Alex Blackford.
Arizona State comes into the series against USC winners of four of their past five games. ASU is riding a three game conference winning streak into this weekend, after sweeping Oregon State last weekend.
Pitching has carried the Sun Devils all season as ASU leads the Pac-12 in team ERA (2.77) and walks allowed (73). ASU also ranks third in the Pac-12 in opposing batting average (.236) and strikeouts (224).
Junior Brady Rodgers leads the Pac-12 in ERA with a microscopic mark of 1.12. Not far behind Rodgers is sophomore Trevor Williams, who ranks second in the Pac-12 with a 1.65 ERA. Rodgers leads the conference in innings pitched (64), including three complete games. Junior reliever Jake Barret is tied for the conference lead in appearances with 17.
ASU is set to debut their new copper and black baseball uniforms tonight. Merchandise will available for sale at Packard Stadium tonight.
Weekend Preview:
Friday - 6:30 p.m. (Blackout)
Arizona State - RHP Brady Rodgers
USC - RHP Andrew Triggs
Saturday - 6:30 p.m.
Arizona State - RHP Trevor Williams
USC - RHP Ben Mount
Sunday - (12:30 p.m.)
Arizona State - RHP Darin Gillies
USC - LHP Stephen Tarpley