Arizona State narrowly lost the series-deciding game Sunday to Oregon State but proved over the weekend that it can compete with the defending College World Series champion.
That bigger message is arguably more important than a 4-3 loss in Game 3, ending with 2018 NCAA home run champion Spencer Torkelson striking out with runners at first and second. Especially since ASU has series ahead against No. 1 UCLA and No. 5 Stanford that will be every bit as tough as facing No. 3 Oregon State (25-9-1, 11-4 Pac-12).
ASU coach Tracy Smith said he asked his players to ponder, “Why is that team getting on the bus with two wins and we’re walking out of here with two losses?