"Big part of my family was there today," Hairston noted. "Having my family, my friends, people I grew up with at these type of games is special."
Coach Bloomquist praised Hairston's development after he hit just four home runs as a freshman.
"I don't know if I can really put it into words," Bloomquist said. "For this young man to be on top of that mountain is pretty dang special."
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Early Lead and Pitching
The Sun Devils took an early lead when junior first baseman Dominic Smaldino hit a two-run home run in the first inning, answering Cincinnati's initial 1-0 advantage.
Smaldino, an All-Big 12 Second Team selection, has seven home runs and 16 RBIs over his last six games.
"He's been outstanding," Bloomquist said. "He's on a bit of a heater right now."
Arizona State scored six runs with two outs, going 6-for-15 in those situations.
Senior pitcher Kole Klecker and sophomore Taylor Penn combined to limit Cincinnati to two runs.
"That's what we're capable of," Bloomquist said. "We did a really good job on the bases."
With the win, Arizona State faces ninth-ranked West Virginia University on Friday, May 22, in a single-elimination semifinal at Surprise Stadium.
Junior left-handed ace Cole Carlon is expected to start after experiencing minor arm discomfort in his previous outing on May 15.
"If we want to throw Cole, we've got to triple check with him," Bloomquist explained. "He's been doing outstanding all week."
Carlon, a First-Team All-Big 12 selection with a 5-2 record, confirmed his arm felt good.
"The arm's feeling good," Carlon said. "I'm ready to go whenever they need me."
Carlon is projected as a potential first-round pick in the 2026 MLB draft starting July 11.
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He will face West Virginia right-hander Chansen Cole, with the winner advancing to the championship game on Saturday, May 23.
