It was ugly, it was vicious, it was dramatic, it was glorious. Over the weekend, the Arizona State Sun Devils advanced to the 2010 NCAA College World Series with a Super Regional victory over the Arkansas Razorbacks. It’s the Devils fourth trip since 2005 and 22nd trip overall. Both of the games were extra inning affairs and each had unbelievable drama.

In Game One, ASU was down to its last strike. With a runner on third and two outs, Zack MacPhee hit a knob shot down the third base line. Honestly, MacPhee hit the ball like he was swinging a wet newspaper. But the ball trickled into no-man’s land and ended up as the biggest game tying hit of his career. ASU eventually won the ball game on a 12th inning walk-off base hit by freshman infielder Deven Marrero.

In Game Two, Arkansas played the hero card. ASU was up a run with two outs, two strikes in the bottom of the ninth inning. This time Arkansas center fielder Brett Eibner launched a ball out of the yard to tie up game two and send it into extra innings. However, the perseverance of ASU showed its beautiful face. In the 12th inning again, a clutch two-run homer by Drew Maggi ended up winning the ball game for ASU, and punching the Sun Devils’ ticket to the College World Series in Omaha.

Most Impressed With

These were two absolutely phenomenal ball games. Each team put pressure on the other. Each team responded to adversity. It was a lot of fun to watch, especially because the Devils came out in front. But the thing that stood out the most to me, was ASU’s relief pitching. Mitchell Lambson and Jordan Swagerty, especially, had phenomenal outings. Lamsbson pitched five shutout innings of relief in Saturday’s ballgame. Swagerty went four and a third and allowed only one run on Sunday. Swagerty really showed the great mental toughness that it takes to be a closer. He gave up a heartbreaking two-out, two-strike home run to blow the save in the Omaha clinching game. But he responded well, throwing the next three innings and shutting down a very impressive Arkansas offense.

Words of Caution

None. This team made it to the College World Series. They can see the finish line. They have earned the right to call this a successful season no matter what happens in Omaha. As a former ASU Baseball player, I could not be more proud of the season this team had and the manner in which they achieved it.

Week Ahead

For almost every position player, and most of the pitching staff, this is a return trip to the College World Series. That means instead of the wide-eyed enjoyment that most players have, this team will have the focused glare of a team that wants a championship. The Devils will play Clemson in the first round of the CWS. The brackets play out like the Regionals play out. There are two brackets made up of four teams. It’s a double elimination format to get to the Championship Round. The Championship Round is like a Super Regional in that it is best-of-three format. Pull your boots up boys and buckle your chin straps, it’s going to be a hell of a ride.

Weekend Coverage

All of the games will air on the ESPN family of networks. But more importantly, all will be broadcast live locally on the FAN AM1060.