PHOENIX – Sacramento State came from behind Friday night to stun the 15th-ranked Arizona State Sun Devils, 4-2 on the back of Dawsen Bacho's ninth-inning grand slam.

After managing just two hits through the game's first eight innings, Sacramento State (1-0) came up clutch in the top of the ninth to set the stage for Bacho's go-ahead slam.

Arizona State (0-1), ranked #15 by both Collegiate Baseball and Perfect Game, turned to their closer Cam Dennie for the ninth with a 2-0 lead. In response, the Hornets called on pinch hitter Martin Vincelli-Simard to lead off the frame. The Quebec native did not disappoint, smashing a double into the left-center gap in his first at bat of the season.

After Keith Torres went down swinging, Jorge Bojorquez watched four straight balls, putting runners at first and second. Ryan Walstad was next, working to a 2-2 count before he was hit by the pitch, loading the bases for Bacho.

Bacho swung and missed at the first pitch he saw from Arizona State's closer but jumped all over the next pitch, sending it soaring out to the Hornets bullpen behind the left field wall.

The hit was the only one of the night for Bacho, but came when it mattered most. The catcher has led the Hornets in RBIs in each of the last two seasons, driving in 53 in 2019 and 11 in last year's shortened campaign. He now has four to start the 2021 season.

With the Hornets ahead, 4-2, Sacramento State closer Stone Churby came on for the ninth, issuing one walk in an otherwise quiet inning to secure the win and pick up his first save of the season.

Aside from the ninth-inning fireworks, much of Friday night's opener was a classic pitchers duel between Hornets starter Scott Randall and the Sun Devils' lefty Benson Cooper.

Randall allowed just two runs in five innings of work, scattering four hits and a walk while striking out six. The WAC's Preseason pitcher of the Year really only had trouble in the fifth when a two-out triple turned into the game's first two runs for Arizona State. He was also backed by some strong defense, including a great grab at the wall by right fielder Chris Gonzalez.

Cooper was just a little bit better for the Sun Devils on Friday, allowing one hit in six innings, striking out eight. Both starters took a no decision in the opener.

Bojorquez was responsible for the lone hit against Cooper and two of Sacramento State's four hits all night. The second baseman finished 2-for-3 with a walk and a run scored in Friday's game.

First out of the bullpen in relief of Randall was left-hander Brady Rodriguez, who led the Hornets in appearances a season ago. Rodriguez tossed two crucial scoreless innings to keep the Hornets within striking distance. He did not allow a hit, walked one, and struck out another.

Travis Martizia earned the win in the season opener, coming on in relief of Rodriguez and throwing a perfect eighth inning. The submariner made eight appearances a year ago, tied for the team lead with Rodriguez, and was one of the squad's go-to options during 2019's championship campaign.

Friday night's win is Sacramento State's second against a ranked Pac-12 opponent in the last three seasons, including the shortened 2020 season. The Hornets most recently knocked off #3 UCLA in Los Angeles early in the 2019 season.

This weekend's opening series continues tomorrow as the Hornets and Sun Devils get underway at 5:35 p.m. MT / 4:35 p.m. PT at Phoenix Municipal Stadium.

It'll be junior right-hander Travis Adams on the mound for Sacramento State. Adams was off to a spectacular start in 2020, posting a 2-1 record with a 1.57 ERA in four starts. Arizona State will counter with right-hander Tyler Thornton.

More details on tomorrow's game – and all upcoming Hornet baseball games – can be found online at HornetSports.com. Fans can also keep up with the Hornets on the Hornet Sports Experience app.