ASU overcome by Stanford in 11 innings

TEMPE, Ariz. -- The eighth-ranked Arizona State baseball team fell to Stanford 9-8 in 11 innings Saturday night in front of a season-high 3,752 fans at Packard Stadium.

The Sun Devils (29-14-1, 11-9) carried a three-run lead into the seventh inning before a two out, three-run homer by Stanford center fielder Austin Wilson tied the score at 7-7. The Cardinal (26-15, 11-9) then scored two runs in the top of the 11th to take a two-run advantage, but ASU scored one in the bottom of the frame and loaded the bases with two outs before center fielder Kasey Coffman grounded out to end the game.

Trever Allen and Michael Benjamin each hit a solo home run, and Benjamin finished a triple short of the cycle as he went 3 for 6 with three RBI and two runs scored. Allen tied a career high with four hits, and shortstop Drew Stankiewicz added a pair to pace the Devils, who outhit the Cardinal 14-11.

Right-hander Ryan Burr (2-2) took the loss after giving up the go-ahead runs in the 11th. He threw 1 2/3 scoreless innings before issuing three consecutive walks and a two-run single up the middle by first baseman Brian Ragira.

The Cardinal opened the game with a single and a two-run homer to take an early 2-0 lead, but the Devils responded with a run in both the first and second innings to tie it at two runs apiece. Benjamin hit a solo home run in the first and Stankiewicz knocked an RBI single up the middle to score first baseman Dalton DiNatale, who reached on a single and stole second, in the second inning.

The Devils again fell behind by a pair after Stanford tacked on two in the top of the fourth, but ASU countered with three in the bottom of the frame to take its first lead of the series at 5-4. Allen's solo home run in the second at-bat of the inning brought the Devils within one and three walks loaded the bases before Benjamin drove a two-run double with two outs through the left side.

ASU extended its lead to 7-4 with a pair of runs in the bottom of the sixth inning. Left fielder Jake Peevyhouse tripled to start the frame and scored on an RBI groundout by Coffman in the next at-bat, and a bases-loaded wild pitch brought home the second run.

Wilson tied the game at seven runs apiece with a two out, three-run homer to right field in the top of the seventh to eventually force extra innings.

Designated hitter RJ Ybarra hit a double to left field with the one out in the bottom of the 11th and scored on a single by Allen to bring ASU within one at 9-8. A hit batter and a walk then loaded the bases for Coffman, who swung on the first pitch of his at-bat and was called out at first on a very close play.

Starting left-hander Ryan Kellogg did not factor in the decision for only the second time in his career after allowing seven runs on nine hits and striking out four in seven innings.

Right-hander Alex Blackford and left-hander Matt Dunbar combined for a scoreless seventh inning, stranding a runner on second.

Stanford starting right-hander Daniel Starwalt gave up four runs on five hits in 3 1/3 innings. Right-hander Sam Lundquist (2-1) earned the win after allowing one run on three hits in 4 1/3 innings.