Preview: San Diego State Aztecs at Arizona State Sun Devils

PHOENIX (Interstat) — The Arizona State Sun Devils, boasting one of the nation’s top records, will look to rebound from a rare stumble when they host the San Diego State Aztecs in nonconference play Monday at Phoenix Municipal Stadium.

First pitch is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. MST.

Arizona State (20-7) saw its potent offense stifled in a 13-7 loss to West Virginia on Saturday, snapping a four-game winning streak. The Sun Devils had averaged 11.3 runs during that stretch. A key reliever, Jaden Alba, provided a bright spot in the loss, throwing 3 2/3 scoreless innings of relief.

San Diego State (15-14) arrives after salvaging its weekend series at Grand Canyon with a 7-2 victory Sunday. Ace Alec Belardes was dominant in that win, allowing just two earned runs over 6 2/3 innings. The Aztecs have shown resilience, winning three of their last five games.

The matchup features two pitchers in contrasting recent forms. Belardes (San Diego State) is coming off his strongest outing of the season, while Alba (Arizona State) has been inconsistent, allowing runs in three of his last five appearances despite not surrendering a hit in his last two times out.

Arizona State’s offense is led by Landon Hairston, who homered Saturday, and Matthew Polk, who delivered a pinch-hit, three-run homer. For San Diego State, center fielder Jake Jackson is hot, going 3 for 5 with a home run and two RBIs in Sunday’s win.

Interstat’s game simulator projects a 7-4 victory for Arizona State.

Following Monday’s contest, Arizona State turns its attention to a pivotal three-game road series against rival Arizona starting Thursday. San Diego State returns home to open a series against Air Force on Thursday.