Road to Surprise
The 21st‑ranked Arizona State Sun Devils baseball squad is set to open the 2026 Big 12 Conference Tournament in Surprise, Arizona, facing Cincinnati on Thursday, May 21. The team secured the No. 3 seed and will meet the sixth‑seeded Bearcats in a matchup that promises high stakes for both programs.
A Pitcher Who Defies the Norm
Cole Carlon, whose 60‑plus innings this season have yielded the second‑lowest rate of balls put into play among national pitchers, anchors the rotation. His ability to induce whiffs has placed him atop the conference in zone‑whiff percentage, giving the Sun Devils a reliable anchor as they head into the postseason.
A Historic Season for the Offense
Landon Hairston continues to rewrite the record books, becoming only the second player in ASU history to amass 20 home runs and 20 doubles in a single campaign. His consistent power production earned him the Big 12 Player of the Year award, the first such honor for the program since 1978.
Road Dominance and National Rankings
The Sun Devils finished the regular season with an unblemished 5‑0 record in weekend road series, never dropping a set away from Tempe. Their average exit velocity of 90.7 mph ranks fifth in Division I, while the team sits 34th in the Diamond Sports Rankings and 35th in the KPI, underscoring a season that blends statistical excellence with resilience.
Broadcast coverage will be anchored by ESPN platforms, with local radio providing additional commentary, ensuring that fans across the country can follow the action. With the tournament poised to showcase the Sun Devils’ depth and talent, the stage is set for a run that could define a landmark year for Arizona State baseball.