On Thursday night, it was Brady Rodgers' world, we were just living in it. The junior right-hander delivered another outstanding outing, leading the Sun Devils out of their recent slump and over the Oregon State Beavers by a score of 8-2.
Rodgers went eight innings without giving up an earned run, while striking out six batters and only giving up seven hits.
"That guy (Rodgers) is lights out," said junior shortstop Deven Marrero. "Every Friday night, that guy gives us his best."
Head coach Tim Esmay has gotten so used to these types of performances that nothing Rodgers does surprises him. "That was a typical Brady Rodgers performance," said Esmay.
The friendly confines of Packard Stadium did the Sun Devil bats some good as ASU erupted for eight runs, after only scoring four runs total in three games against Oregon last weekend.
Andrew Aplin, Deven Marerro, Joey DeMichele, Abe Ruiz and James McDonald all had multi-hit games for the Sun Devils.
The scoring began in the third inning when Marrero laid down a bunt and reached base with two outs. The offense put up four runs, all with two outs, in the third and gave Rodgers some breathing room.
"I had to get something going," said Marrero. "That's the funny thing about baseball, you put down a bunt, you get a hit and the next thing you know things start rolling," said Marrero.
With ASU up 5-2 in the seventh inning, Kasey Coffman extended the lead with a three RBI double to put the game out of reach.
The night belonged to Rodgers, who had everything working and left Oregon State hitters baffled.
"I haven't felt that good in a long time," said Rodgers. "My arm felt good and I had control of all my pitches."
Rodgers has the complete confidence of his teammates when he steps onto the rubber.
"He's the best pitcher in the country, hands down," said Marrero.