No. 15/17 Arizona State Over Powers Bronco Baseball

TEMPE, Ariz.- The Western Michigan baseball team dropped its season opener to heavyweight No. 15/17 Arizona State on the road Feb. 17, 10-0. Senior left-hander Casey Webber took the loss on the mound, throwing 4.1 innings, allowing six earned runs on seven hits. He struck out two and walked a pair.

Last year's PAC-10 runner-up, Arizona State, recorded 13 hits to the Broncos' five. WMU second baseman Zach Thoma went 3-for-3 at the plate. Sophomore center fielder Vinnie Booker and senior right-fielder Jack Scanlon had a hit apiece.

"Tonight represented three things, opening day, a great atmosphere and very good competition," said second-year Bronco head coach Billy Gernon. "Arizona State pitched extremely well tonight and although our strikeouts were too high, we were competitive in the batters box.

"Webber did not have great command tonight but threw well in his opener which was on a pitch count. Pat Borlik was very good in relief. We have to continue to fight and scrap with runners in scoring position if we want our program to move to next level."

Sophomore Patrick Borlik was the second out of the Bronco bullpen and was the most effective, going 2.2 innings without a run, giving up just two hits against.

Abe Ruiz hit a pair of home runs for ASU and totaled six RBIs. RHP Brady Rodgers got the win, tossing six scoreless innings.

WMU and ASU resume their three-game series tomorrow with a 3 p.m. ET first pitch.