Arizona State's baseball team moved one step closer to a championship after a dominant 10‑2 victory over Cincinnati that secured a spot in the Big 12 tournament semifinals.
The Sun Devils erupted for ten runs on twelve hits, spreading the offense across six innings and punctuating the night with three long balls.
Junior Dominic Smaldino ignited the scoring with a two‑run homer in the opening frame, while Landon Hairston added his own blast later in the fourth, a 349‑foot shot that cemented his place in school history.
Hairston's homer was not just a highlight; it was his 28th of the season, breaking the previous single‑season record and underscoring his power surge.
Matt Polk contributed a solo homer in the seventh, extending the lead to 8‑1, and Dean Toigo capped the scoring with a two‑run double in the eighth.
Relief pitcher Taylor Penn threw three scoreless innings, striking out five batters without issuing a walk, earning the win for the Sun Devils.
A record‑breaking night
The performance showcased a balanced attack, with the lineup delivering consistent hits and the bullpen holding Cincinnati at bay.
Fans and analysts alike noted the significance of the win for Arizona State's postseason hopes and the emergence of several young stars.
The team will now meet West Virginia in the semifinals, a matchup that could determine the conference champion and a berth in the championship game.