© Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
The Arizona baseball team hosted rival Arizona State on the diamond over the weekend. Game 3 of the series ignited drama.
The Sun Devils annihilated the Wildcats, 15-6. They tried to pour as many runs on as possible in the closing moments of play.
ASU manager Willie Bloomquist’s actions were challenged by his counterpart. He opened up on his reasoning after the fact.
Arizona State won this year’s baseball rivalry.
Bad day to be a Wildcat #ForksUp /// #Onward pic.twitter.com/vuGx4zEEMg
— Sun Devil Baseball (@ASU_Baseball) April 5, 2026
The two teams split the first two games of the set. Arizona State would take the rubber match in convincing fashion.
The Sun Devils got started quick with a six-run first inning. They didn’t look back.
ASU put four more runs up in the top of the third frame to extend its lead to 10-1. They led 12-6 in the top of the ninth. They’d add some insurance to further embarrass the Wildcats.
Arizona State pushed three more runs across the plate in its final at-bat. The Sun Devils used a little small ball to do so. Arizona coach Chip Hale took offense to the antics. He viewed it as disrespect.
Bloomquist thought differently. He opened up on his approach after the win.
Willie Bloomquist and Arizona HC Chip Hale had a heated exchange after ASU’s 15-6 victory over Arizona:
“He was questioning the bunt in the ninth inning… There was an opportunity to try to tack on a couple more runs… He spoke his opinion, and I spoke mine.”@DevilsDigest pic.twitter.com/Aza3h2CAgu
— Dominic Pasella 🪼 (@DomPasella) April 5, 2026
The two rival coaches got into a shouting match from their respective dugouts. Bloomquist had his reasons for running up the score.
The Sun Devils leader referenced Game 2, which saw the Wildcats erase a 4-0 deficit late thanks to a seven-run seventh inning.
Bloomquist wanted the insurance. He was not willing to risk another letdown. That said, past results might’ve also played a role.
Willie Bloomquist wanted revenge.
Willie Bloomquist discusses the intensity of the Territorial Cup rivalry after a series victory over Arizona:
“A few years ago, they beat us 20 to nothing down here, and that didn’t seem to be a problem then… Part of that was… Nah, I’ll just leave it there.”@DevilsDigest pic.twitter.com/rTAI7pKZzL
— Dominic Pasella 🪼 (@DomPasella) April 5, 2026
He accused the Wildcats of running up the score in a previous meeting. They had no issues when on the other side.
Bloomquist didn’t forget. He wanted to bury his rival by putting an exclamation point on the series victory.
Strategy played a part in Bloomquist’s approach. He needed to guarantee victory. Revenge had some influence, too. It’s safe to say he’s gotten even.