Entering play on Friday, Arizona State baseball had won seven of its last eight games, including dominant performances such as a 29-4 victory over LMU and a 10-4 win against rival Arizona.

Across the field, Kansas State began its weekend series against the Sun Devils just as hot, winning 10 of its previous 11 games with a lineup ready to challenge ASU. 

However, the Sun Devils (17-6, 4-2 Big 12) generated enough offense to stop the Wildcats’ (17-7, 3-3 Big 12) momentum and secure a conference series win on the road.

Here are four takeaways from the weekend:

March Madness at the Dish

In the first two games, ASU’s lineup racked up 25 hits, including nine for extra bases.

Nearly every pitcher Kansas State head coach Pete Hughes turned to struggled against a Sun Devils lineup that combined power at the top with production toward the bottom.

The lineup showcased its depth to the fullest in Game 2.

Of ASU’s 16 hits, the top four hitters accounted for 11, with fifth-year right fielder Dean Toigo leading the charge.

Toigo delivered three extra-base hits, including a grand slam, helping him finish with six RBI. While his power stood out, the at-bats ahead of him set the stage.

Sophomore left fielder Landon Hairston, junior shortstop PJ Moutzouridis and sophomore third baseman Austen Roellig each drew walks before the grand slam, forcing Wildcat pitchers into attacking the long ball threat of Toigo.

A similar sequence unfolded in the second inning, but instead of a flashy grand slam, a two-run blast by Hairston echoed through the venue. 

After freshman second baseman Finn Leach reached on a misplayed ball by sophomore first baseman Ty Smolinski, Hairston capitalized with a home run, giving ASU a 5-3 lead.

By consistently creating traffic on the bases, the Sun Devils turned innocent hits into big innings.

Struggling Starters

Starting pitching proved inconsistent on both sides throughout the series, particularly for ASU.

Junior left-hander Cole Carlon delivered a respectable outing in the opener, allowing three runs on four hits while striking out eight. 

However, he issued five walks, including three in the fifth inning.

Likewise, junior right-hander Alex Overbay struggled from the get-go in Game 2.

During his time on the bump, Overbay allowed five runs on seven hits and two walks in just 1 ⅓  innings.

In response, head coach Willie Bloomquist turned to junior right-hander Colby Guy, who stabilized the game by allowing one run in 3 ⅔ innings, though he also walked two.

While Carlon and Overbay showed flashes of positive tendencies, the same cannot be said for junior right-handed pitcher Colin Linder.

On the mound, Linder ran into immediate trouble, walking both batters he faced after throwing only 10 pitches. 

Bloomquist swiftly took out Linder and granted the pitching responsibility to junior right-handed pitcher Josh Butler in hopes of putting out the fire, but a three-run sixth inning forced ASU to rely on its offense once again in Game 2. 

Won’t Go Down Without a Fight

ASU showed plate discipline throughout the series, consistently putting the ball in play and limiting strikeouts.

In the Friday opener, the Sun Devils recorded 41 at-bats with just five strikeouts. 

This contact-oriented approach forced Kansas State to execute defensively, which it struggled with at times, committing three errors in the series.

Due to those mistakes, ASU pounced on any chance it got to capitalize. 

For example, Hairston’s two-run home run came after an error extended the inning, shifting momentum early.

The contact not only forced mistakes but also played a role in the outcome of Game 2.

On Saturday, the Sun Devils recorded eight singles, with five eventually turning into runs following extra-base hits or pitching mistakes.

What Happens in Vegas, Stays in Vegas

The Sun Devils entered Sunday with a chance to complete their sixth series sweep of the season, but the Wildcats destroyed any chance.

To start, senior right-handed pitcher Kole Klecker allowed nine earned runs on 12 hits and three walks in 4 ⅔  innings. 

Klecker threw 101 pitches, 66 for strikes, frequently falling behind in counts and allowing Wildcats' hitters to take control.

Yet in the first two innings, Klecker shut down the Kansas offense, allowing no runs, but it all fell apart in the bottom of the third.

ASU now faces a short turnaround and heads directly to Las Vegas for a Monday clash with UNLV. 

If the pitching struggles continue, Sun Devils fans hope those hurdles stay in Vegas.