In his seventh start and 10th appearance of his freshman year, former San Benito starting pitcher Darin Gillies earned his first win of his collegiate career, lifting Arizona State to a 8-1 victory over USC on Sunday.
“It feels great to be able to get that win,” Gillies said. “The offense jumped on them early and it allowed me to settle down.”
In the win, No. 21 Arizona State pounded USC, scoring a combined six runs in the second and third innings.
After Gillies allowed one run in the top of the second inning, his offense responded quickly.
“They scored some runs early for me, and that made it easier,” he said.
Overall, Gillies threw five innings and allowed three hits and one unearned run. Gillies struck out two batters and walked one in the win.
“This is the opportunity I’ve waited for,” Gillies said. “I had the confidence of the coaches. And they gave me the confidence to go out there and get the win.”
It’s the first accomplishment of many, he said.
“This is definitely a big accomplishment,” he said. “It’s big win, but I have confidence that it wont be the first at Arizona State.”
What made the day even more special, though, was his father and grandfather were in attendance.
“It was special to share that moment with them,” Gillies said. “They’ve been with me through everything, not just baseball. And for them to be there with me was great.”
The win gives Gillies a 1-3 record during his freshman campaign. Gillies is third on the team with seven starts and 34.1 innings pitched. Gillies owns a 3.67 ERA and has allowed opponents to bat .286 against him.
On Sunday, the right hander will start the final game of a three-game series against the No. 5 ranked Stanford Cardinal at the Sunken Diamond in Palo Alto.
“It’s going to be great to be able to see some familiar faces,” Gillies said.
