Preview: Wildcats, Sun Devils Set for Big 12 Showdown in Phoenix

PHOENIX (Interstat) — The intrastate rivalry resumes Monday night when the Arizona Wildcats visit the Arizona State Sun Devils in a Big 12 conference matchup at Phoenix Municipal Stadium.

First pitch is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. local time under cloudy skies with a temperature near 67 degrees.

The Sun Devils (26-11) enter as one of the conference’s hottest teams, having won 10 of their last 12 games, including a series victory over Utah this past weekend. They boast a potent offense that produced 15 runs in a win over Arizona just over a week ago.

Arizona (13-22) looks to build momentum after snapping a skid with a 3-2 win at TCU on Saturday. The Wildcats took one of three games from the Sun Devils in Tucson earlier this month.

The pitching matchup features two right-handers looking for consistency. Arizona will start Smith Bailey (2-2, 6.23 ERA). Bailey was stellar against Arizona State on April 3, allowing two earned runs over five innings in a 7-4 Wildcats win, but was roughed up for five runs in a loss at TCU in his last outing.

Arizona State counters with Kole Klecker (4-3, 5.68 ERA). Klecker was dominant in his last start, throwing seven innings of one-run ball against Utah. However, he struggled mightily in his April 4 start at Arizona, surrendering four earned runs without recording a hit in just four innings of work.

Recent history favors the Sun Devils, who have won three of the last four meetings between the teams, including two of three in Tucson from April 2-4. The Wildcats’ lone win in that set came with Bailey on the mound.

According to Interstat’s game simulator, Arizona State is projected to win 6-2.

Following Monday’s game, Arizona State travels to BYU for a three-game series beginning Thursday. Arizona returns home to host Kansas State starting Friday.