TEMPE, Ariz. – Arizona State University’s baseball team kicked off the 2026 season with a decisive 7-2 win over the Omaha Mavericks on Friday evening, February 13th, at Phoenix Municipal Stadium. The game, played before a crowd of 3,690 – the second-largest Opening Day attendance at the stadium – saw strong performances from both newcomers and seasoned players, signaling a promising start for the Sun Devils.
The victory marks the first for Arizona State under head coach Willie Bloomquist, and showcased a balanced attack featuring contributions from seven of the nine starting players reaching base. Pitching too proved pivotal, with Cole Carlon delivering five innings of one-run ball, and the bullpen effectively managing the remaining four innings. This win sets the tone for the season as Arizona State looks to build momentum in The Summit League and beyond.
Sun Devil Offense Shines in Season Opener
Senior second baseman Nu’u Contrades led the offensive charge, going 2-for-2 with a single and a double, scoring three times and adding two stolen bases. Contrades also played a key role defensively, helping turn a crucial double play in the eighth inning to stifle a potential Omaha rally. Newcomers PJ Moutzouridis and Garrett Michel also made immediate impacts in their Sun Devil debuts. Moutzouridis went 3-for-4 with three singles and an RBI, while Michel went 2-for-4 with an RBI of his own. Moutzouridis also contributed to two double plays.
The scoring began in the fifth inning, with Arizona State extending their lead after a leadoff double by Michel and a subsequent single by Moutzouridis. Brody Briggs then delivered a sacrifice fly to center field, driving in Michel and securing the lead for ASU. Landon Hairston followed with a single, increasing the advantage to 3-1, according to the game box score.
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Pitching Dominance and Omaha’s Late Push
Cole Carlon’s performance on the mound was instrumental in setting the tone for the game. He allowed only one run through five innings, providing a solid foundation for the Sun Devil bullpen. Alex Overbay then pitched three innings in relief, navigating through bases-loaded situations in both the seventh and eighth innings, limiting Omaha to just one run in the eighth. The Sun Devil Athletics report highlighted the pitching staff’s ability to maintain control even under pressure.
Omaha’s offense struggled to find consistent footing against the Arizona State pitching, managing only two runs throughout the game. Brody Sexton provided a spark for the Mavericks with a solo home run in the fifth inning, tying the game briefly. However, Arizona State quickly responded, regaining the lead and ultimately controlling the remainder of the contest. Tanner Foertsch, Omaha’s starting pitcher, was chased from the game in the fifth inning after putting runners on the corners.
Looking Ahead
Arizona State’s 7-2 victory over Omaha provides a strong foundation for the 2026 season. The team demonstrated a potent combination of offensive firepower and pitching depth, suggesting they will be a formidable opponent in The Summit League. The Sun Devils and Mavericks will continue their three-game series, with the next game scheduled for Saturday, February 14th. Fans can expect a competitive matchup as Omaha looks to rebound and even the series.
What are your predictions for the remainder of the Arizona State and Omaha series? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
