As he’s done flawlessly countless times during his Sun Devil career, Drew Swift fielded a groundball while moving to his left, squared up towards first base, and fired. This time, however, was not like the others.
Swift’s throw sailed over first base and rattled off the screen in front of the Arizona State dugout. The rare error allowed the Wildcats’ leadoff man to reach, and Arizona (17-7, 4-3 Pac-12) made it hurt.
Arizona State’s (15-6, 4-3) one-run lead in the top of the seventh inning quickly evaporated. The Wildcats brought 12 batters to the plate and scored six runs in the frame propelling them to a 10-5 series-opening victory at Phoenix Municipal Stadium Thursday night.