TEMPE, Ariz. -- The sixth-ranked Arizona State baseball team (12-4, 2-1) lost to top-ranked Stanford (15-0-1, 4-0) 15-2 tonight in front of 2,478 fans in the first game of the series at Packard Stadium.

The Devils, short on offense tonight, were led by first baseman Dan Meier, who went 2-for-4, scoring all two runs. Michael Collins drove in one run for ASU, to complete his 1-for-4 outing. Catcher Jeremy Jones came off the bench to score the final run in the bottom of the ninth. Starting pitcher Ryan Mills was off his mark in four innings of work, giving up nine hits and ten total runs (seven earned), but gave up no walks.

Stanford was led by Tony Schrager, who drove in three runs, and scored four, Joe Borchard who drove in four runs and scored two himself, and catcher Jon Salter who drove in three runs. Starting pitcher Jeff Austin pitched a superb eight innngs, giving up no earned runs, and only three hits.

The Sun Devils are next at home tomorrow against the Stanford Cardinal in game two of the three game series. Game time is at 1 p.m. at Packard Stadium. Junior lefthander Phill Lowery (3-1) is expected to take the mound for ASU. Chad Hutchinson is expected to take the mound for Stanford.

    
Stanford            052  032  111  15 16 0
Arizona State       000  010  001  2  5  3

Winner -- Austin (5-0)  Loser -- Mills (3-2)       Save -- none
Umpires: Hernandez, Randall, Daugherty         Time: 2:57   Attn: 2,478