TEMPE, Ariz. – A career night by right-handed pitcher Brendan Beck propelled No. 12 Stanford to a 2-1 win over Ball State on Friday night at Diablo Stadium.
The Cardinal (1-0-0) managed only two hits but took advantage of its opportunities behind Beck, who set a career high in strikeouts (11) in 6.1 innings pitched. Will Matthiessen drove in the winning run in the seventh, and Maverick Handley's sacrifice fly in the third inning accounted for the Cardinal's other run.
"What a night for Brendan, coming in and replacing his brother as our Friday night starter from a year ago was special to watch," said the Clarke and Elizabeth Nelson Director of Baseball David Esquer. "This was a really great baseball game, won on pitching and defense, which will always be what this program is about. Their starter was very impressive, so we had to take advantage of our opportunities with some good situational hitting."
After Beck struck out seven in the first three frames, Stanford plated its first run in the home half of the third inning. Alec Wilson led off the frame with a fly ball into the gap in right center, which was dropped, allowing him to advance to third. On the very next pitch, Maverick Handley's sacrifice fly to deep right field scored Wilson.
Beck continued to deal into the seventh, exiting after surrendering a triple to center field, one of four hits he allowed on the night. Zach Grech replaced him, allowing a sacrifice fly to left field and the tying run to score.
Brandon Wulff had the biggest swing of the night in the home half of the seventh, ripping a triple into the right-field corner before Matthiessen singled him home. Grech returned to throw a scoreless eighth, setting up Jack Little for the save. Little allowed an infield single before retiring the side – Tim Tawa made a spectacular play up the middle for the final out as the Cardinals (0-1-0) had the tying run on second base.
No. 12 Stanford returns to action on Saturday at 6:30 p.m. PT when it faces Wichita State at Tempe Diablo Stadium. Left-handed pitcher Jacob Palisch (4-1, 1.72 ERA in 2018) is expected to start for the Cardinal the Shockers' Ryan Stuempfig. Live results will be available at GoStanford.com.
Cardinal Notes
- Beck's 11 strikeouts were the most by a Stanford pitcher since June 1, 2017 when Kris Bubic struck out 11 against Sacramento State.
- Ball State's Drey Jameson struck out nine in 6.0 innings and did not allow a hit.
- Little's save was the 17th of his career – last season, he tied a program record with 16 saves.
- Wulff reached twice with a triple and a walk.
- Wilson reached base twice, drawing a walk in the eighth inning.