PHOENIX- With sophomore center fielder Landon Hairston having multiple opportunities down the stretch to shine against rival Arizona, fans expected another highlight reel moment from the rising star. 

Instead, Arizona State’s standout struck out swinging in the bottom of the ninth, leaving fans disappointed entering extra innings.

Besides Hairston, the Sun Devils failed in high-leverage situations throughout Monday, going 1-for-10 with runners in scoring position. 

Head coach Willie Bloomquist said he was disappointed with his team’s execution in the clutch.

“We’re going to have to look at something, because it’s been pretty dismal the past five or six games. I would say it’s been really disappointing,” Bloomquist said. 

Energized from great pitching down the stretch, No. 23 ASU (26-12, 9-7 Big 12) still failed to capitalize with runners on base and ultimately fell 5-3 to Arizona (13-22, 5-10 Big 12) on Monday, April 13, at Phoenix Municipal Stadium.

Trailing 3-1 entering the eighth inning, junior designated hitter Nu’u Contrades gave fans hope for a comeback.

After senior right fielder Dean Toigo successfully stole second base, Contrades homered to right field, tying the game.

Contrades continues to produce despite playing through a lingering hamstring injury. 

While not at 100%, Contrades blamed himself for the loss. 

“I just got to come up bigger in big spots,” Contrades said. “I get over anxious in those situations, swinging at pitcher pitches. I just have to stick to my approach and be better. 

“I’d put my body on the line for these boys any day.”

However, Bloomquist said he disagreed with Contrades' comments and doesn't put the blame on the outfielder. 

“He’s a leader, and he’s going to put it on his shoulder,” Bloomquist said. “Feeling that pressure of being the leader and being the captain on our team, he wants to get it done.”

Another player who stood out in the loss was junior third baseman Dominic Longo.

Longo went 2-for-5 at the plate, bouncing back from a one-hit weekend against Utah.

“He’s hitting the ball hard,” Contrades said. “He could have easily had another hit right at the center fielder. It’s awesome to see him having some success up there.” 

Despite ASU leaving 10 on base and striking out 11 times, the pitching staff kept the offense in the game but not without early setbacks. 

Freshman right-handed pitcher Austin Musso started the game on the mound for ASU, yet surrendered three solo home runs to Arizona over the second and third innings. 

However, seven more pitchers covered key innings down the stretch, Bloomquist said

“When you have that many arms to have, most of them throw it outstanding and keep you in the game,” Bloomquist said. “That’s not what beat us tonight.” 

Of the many arms out of the right-field bullpen, senior left-hander Sean Fitzpatrick stood out. The southpaw struck out the side before Contrades tied the game in the eighth. Junior right-hander Derek Schaefer also exerted life into the crowd upon sending the game to the bottom of the ninth. 

On the flip side, junior right-handed pitcher Colin Linder made a crucial mistake in the 10th inning, practically sealing the game for Arizona. 

While attempting to pick off at third base, miscommunication between Linder and Longo led to Wildcat senior catcher Beau Slyvester scoring and giving his team the lead. 

While no excuse, Bloomquist said, possible fatigue may have settled in for ASU throughout the game.

“These kids have aspirations of playing at the next level,” Bloomquist said. “If they think this is a lot, wait until you get to the next level. … Come talk to me then about being tired.” 

Additionally, the Sun Devils played their sixth game within a week.

With another conference opponent on the horizon in BYU on Thursday, April 16, the Sun Devils look to get the offense ignited back to their usual ways. 

Though Bloomquist isn’t looking past the Cougars, coming off a sweep in Houston. 

“They got some nice arms and they got some kids that can swing the bats pretty well,” Bloomquist said. “We have to figure out ways to win games on the road.”