ASU to start lefty Newman in regional opener

Earlier this season, Arizona State freshman outfielder Matt Newman volunteered his pitching services to the coaching staff in case the Sun Devils needed someone to mop up on occasion.

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The left-hander started two late-season games, performing well enough that coach Pat Murphy is comfortable giving him the ball when fourth-ranked ASU opens NCAA tournament play against Stony Brook on Friday night at Packard Stadium.

With No. 22 Vanderbilt and Oklahoma also part of the Tempe Regional, Murphy said on Wednesday he will save his top two pitchers, Mike Leake and Josh Satow, for games on Saturday and Sunday.

Murphy has compared Newman, who is 1-0 with a 3.29 ERA in four appearances this season, to Satow.

Newman is not a fireballer, relying on location with his fastball and change-up while using “maybe five” curveballs a game, he said.

“I threw only five bullpens for most of the year, but then our pitching was getting a little thin, so they gave me a chance,” said Newman, a Phoenix Brophy Prep graduate. “Ever since, I’ve been part of the mix.”

Newman has played in 51 games (with 34 starts) in the field, batting .320 with a home run and 25 RBIs.

Right-hander Seth Blair (4-2, 7.00 ERA), who had been the other third-starter candidate, will be used to start a fourth regional game or work out of the bullpen.

Newman made his first start at Wichita State on May 7, throwing 6 2/3 innings while allowing a run and five hits to earn the win. On Friday at Arizona, he worked five frames, giving up four hits and two runs in a no-decision.

“The comparison to Satow is very fair,” catcher Petey Paramore said. “He’s very poised and has the same repertoire of pitches. He’s mature beyond his years. You can tell that he really knows what he’s doing out there.”