After another solid season, which included the Sun Devils third consecutive Pac 10 championship, ASU earned the number five national seed and the right to host throughout the road to Omaha. Arizona State rolled through the Tempe Regional disposing of MAC champion Kent State 17-6 to open play, then twice defeating Oral Roberts (4-1, 8-3) to advance to the Tempe Super Regional.
The Super Regionals meant a trip to Tempe from ACC powerhouse Clemson, who is no stranger to playing in Omaha. The Sun Devils were able to make quick work of the Tigers, sweeping them in two games (7-4, 8-2) to advance to Omaha. These two victories were highlighted by impressive pitching performances by ASU top two arms, Mike Leake and Josh Spence. The duo combined to pitch all but one inning on the weekend, including a complete game effort from Spence to close out the series.
Arizona State enters Omaha with a lot of star power, as indicated by this weeks MLB Draft. Stud right-hander Mike Leake (16-1, 1.36 ERA) is one of the best college pitchers in the country, and possibly the best in Omaha. Leake was taken with the 8th overall pick by the Cincinnati Reds. Lefty Josh Spence (9-1, 2.33) provides ASU with another dominant starting pitcher to compliment Leake and complete the best starting duo in the CWS. The Australian transplant was taken in the third round with the 110th overall pick. With the nation’s best team ERA at 2.78, ASU will be tough to score on in Omaha.
The Sun Devil lineup also features some star power, led by outfielder Jason Kipnis (.385, 16 HR, 71 RBI). Cleveland’s second round selection, Kipnis will look to ignite the ASU offense. Catcher Carlos Ramirez provides a true power threat behind Kipnis in the Sun Devil lineup. Ramirez (.349, 18 HR, 72 RBI) was selected in the 8th round and will be one of the top power hitters in all of the College World Series.
ASU has all the ingredients to make a deep run in the CWS. They have a tough opening round matchup against North Carolina, but with Leake and Spence atop the rotation, they will matchup well against anyone. Expect Arizona State to make a deep run in Omaha, and don’t be surprised if they are the last club standing.