Sat Apr 05 04:30:00 UTC 2025: **Arizona Wildcats Upset Arizona State Sun Devils in Series Opener**

PHOENIX, AZ – The Arizona Wildcats defeated the Arizona State Sun Devils 8-5 Friday night in the opening game of their weekend series at Phoenix Municipal Stadium. Despite a dominant start by ASU’s Ben Jacobs, who struck out 10 batters through four innings, a disastrous fifth inning proved to be his undoing. Jacobs walked and hit a batter before surrendering three consecutive singles, allowing four runs and giving Arizona a 5-4 lead.

ASU rallied in the bottom of the fifth to tie the game, but Arizona regained the advantage in the seventh. Maddox Mihalakis’ two-run home run, followed by another run, gave the Wildcats an 8-5 lead. Arizona’s bullpen held strong, shutting down ASU’s offense despite multiple scoring opportunities left on the basepaths. The Sun Devils stranded six runners, their bats going cold at crucial moments.

While ASU’s Ben Jacobs initially pitched a gem, Arizona’s Collin McKinney proved more effective in the late innings. The Wildcats’ timely hitting and effective relief pitching sealed the victory, dampening the home crowd’s enthusiasm. The series continues Saturday.

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