University of Tennessee Athletics
University of Tennessee
Arizona State
Sun Devils rally to defeat Vols, 7-4
February 08, 2002 | Baseball
Feb. 8, 2002
Mesa, Ariz. - Tennessee's Jordan Czarniecki went 4-for-5 with two RBI, but it wasn't enough as the No. 17 Arizona State Sun Devils scored four runs in the sixth to rally from a 4-2 deficit and defeat the No. 25 Volunteers, 7-4, at HoHoKam Park.
Tennessee suffered four ejections in the game, including head coach Rod Delmonico in the second inning arguing an interference call and assistant coach Larry Simcox, left fielder Brandon Hopkins and first basemen Dennis Gomez in the sixth for arguing balls and strikes following the inning.
The Vols issued a season-high 11 walks, while striking out 15 times. It did, however, mark the third time in four games that Tennessee out-hit its opponent, doing it 10-6.
The Volunteers built a 4-2 lead on a solo home run by Ryan Moffett in the second and two RBI by Czarniecki and a sacrifice fly by Javi Herrera.
After getting two runs in the first two innings, the Sun Devils broke the game open in the sixth by drawing five walks, including two with the bases loaded that tied the game. Pinch hitter Ryan McKenna then delivered with a two-run bases loaded single to put Arizona State on top 6-4.
They added an insurance run in the eighth when Rod Allen scored on a ground out after tripling.
Vol starter Ben Riley was touched for two runs on three hits in the first two innings, and left with a 4-2 lead and two out in the sixth. Jay Sadlowe (0-1) then came on and proceeded to issue three consecutive walks and the game-winning hit before the inning ended on a caught stealing.
After struggling through the first two innings when he allowed two runs on five hits, Sun Devil starter Ryan Schroyer settled down over the next three and two-thirds, retiring seven straight at one point while giving up an unearned run. Schroyer, the National Pitcher of the Week last week, finished with eight strikeouts and three walks.
The Sun Devil bullpen extended its streak of scoreless innings to 17 1/3 as Robbie McClellan (2-0) picked up the win by working the final 3 1/3 innings, striking out seven with one walk.
Tennessee's original starter, Jeffery Terrell, was suspended for the series for a violation of team rules.
Game two of the series will be Saturday at 3 p.m. ET.
