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Opening weekend is never just about wins and losses — it’s about setting the tone, and ASU did just that.
For Arizona State University baseball, the first three games of 2026 were about reestablishing identity. Power when needed. Depth throughout the lineup. Pitching that bends but doesn’t break. And perhaps most importantly, a team that responded when challenged.
A three-game sweep of the University of Nebraska Omaha won’t define the season, but it revealed early indicators of what this Sun Devil club could become. Across the weekend, ASU showcased efficient starting pitching, timely power, aggressive baserunning, and late-game composure — all foundational traits for a team looking to build momentum in February rather than search for answers.
Here’s how the weekend unfolded.
Friday — Efficient Pitching and Balanced Offense for ASU
Arizona State opened its season in front of a strong home crowd at Phoenix Municipal Stadium with a 7-2 victory in game one. Starter Cole Carlon set the tone for the weekend, tossing five solid innings of one-run baseball, allowing just a handful of baserunners and keeping the Mavericks off balance with a mix of fastball command and off-speed control. The bullpen followed suit, cruising through the final four frames and preserving the lead.
Offensively, the Sun Devils showed balance and patience. Seven of the nine starters reached base at least once, demonstrating depth and plate discipline. While the big hits didn’t all come in one inning, the lineup manufactured runs through a combination of timely hits, stolen bases, and consistent pressure on the defense. The offense didn’t rely on one star — it was a collective effort that reflected coach Willie Bloomquist’s emphasis on producing ball-in-play contact and advancing runners.
ASU Saturday — Power Surge and Depth Shine (11-5)
Game two featured an offensive explosion, as ASU put up 11 runs to secure a series-clinching win. This contest highlighted the Sun Devils’ power potential and positional depth. Four home runs left the yard, a sign that this lineup can carry brutal momentum when locked in. Junior infielder Nu’u Contrades delivered the biggest blow of the day, launching a grand slam in the third inning that swung the game firmly in ASU’s favor and catalyzed a five-run frame.
Junior right-hander Colin Linder — making his ASU debut and his first action since recovering from Tommy John surgery — was efficient in four innings, yielding only one run while showing improved control and aggressiveness in the zone. The bullpen was likewise effective, with Josh Butler, Sean Fitzpatrick, Wyatt Halvorson, and Austin Musso combining to keep Omaha at bay the rest of the way.
Key offensive contributors included outfielder Landon Hairston, who extended his hot start with multi-hit efforts, and several others driving runs, illustrating that this roster isn’t just top-heavy. ASU also showcased aggressive baserunning, going 5-for-5 on stolen base attempts, an encouraging sign for future situational pressure.
Sunday — Comeback and Clutch Relief (6-4)
The series finale presented the most drama. Omaha jumped ahead early with a four-run second inning, threatening to spoil the sweep. But rather than let that deficit linger, ASU steadied itself. The lineup put together multiple productive rallies in different innings, ultimately giving the Devils back-to-back chances to take control.
Emerging as a hero was Beckett Zavorek, whose two-out, two-run single in the eighth inning came at exactly the moment the Devils needed it, turning a one-run game into a lead the bullpen could protect. The relievers responded in kind — after the early struggles on the mound — by limiting Omaha the rest of the way and securing the victory to complete the weekend sweep.
Player Notes and Weekend Standouts
- Cole Carlon: Set the standard Friday with an efficient five innings of one-run ball, showing strike-zone command and the potential to be a rotation anchor early in the season.
- Nu’u Contrades: Delivered a thunderous grand slam Saturday and reached base consistently, showcasing power and leadership from the left side.
- Colin Linder: Posted a strong first ASU start since injury on Saturday, giving the Devils length and stability.
- Beckett Zavorek: The clutch RBI in Sunday’s comeback highlights his knack for big, late-game hits.
- Landon Hairston: Continued offensive consistency with multi-hit games and extra-base contributions.
Analytical Takeaways
Pitching Depth: The weekend underscored how critical both the rotation and bullpen will be as ASU faces tougher competition. Carlon and Linder provided quality innings, and the bullpen responded well when called upon — particularly in high-leverage spots on Sunday.
Offensive Versatility: Saturday’s barrage showed that Arizona State isn’t solely reliant on one or two power hitters. With multiple long balls and consistent offensive contributions across the lineup, the Devils can dissect defenses in different ways — through power, speed, or productive situational hitting.
Resilience Under Pressure: Sunday’s comeback win displays mental toughness and depth beyond the box score. Being able to rally after an early deficit points to a clubhouse confident in its talent and capable of adapting mid-game.
What This Weekend Means
A 3-0 start, a sweep at home, and positive signs on both sides of the ball give ASU momentum entering midweek play and the rest of its early schedule. The pitching staff appears to have a rotation emerging, and the lineup isn’t afraid to mix power with situational execution.
If Arizona State continues to build on this blend of pitching consistency, offensive depth, and clutch performance, this team could develop into one of the more balanced and dangerous lineups in the early season.
Check out the 2026 roster here!
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