Baseball's a tough game

By Mark Etheridge - March 02, 2007

ASU leftfielder Tim Smith finally gets a start - just his third of the season. After a swinging bunt, the throw to first drew Auburn first baseman Joseph Sanders off the bag. Sanders stretched to catch the throw striking Smith in the face. Smith took the punch - wobbled and found his way back to the bag.

Auburn, apparently convinced Smith is sandbagging with his zero season steals, threw over to first at least six times. Smith dove back for several of them getting banged up in the process. After a brief stoppage he returned - only to draw another throw to first.

Two hits later - including a perfectly placed bunt single by Matt Hall, the bags were full for Jarred Bogany. Bogany had doubled his last time up, but this time popped to second to leave the bags full.

4-0 Devils in the bottom of the third.