The USC Trojans baseball squad delivered a commanding 7‑0 victory over Michigan State in the Big Ten Tournament, a performance that underscored their dominance this spring.
At the heart of the effort was ace Mason Edwards, who twirled four flawless innings, fanning six batters while surrendering only two hits before a sudden rainstorm forced him from the mound.
A Pitcher's Masterclass
A 1‑hour‑42‑minute delay tested the Trojans’ resolve, but the bullpen answered the call, preserving the shutout and allowing the offense to pull away.
Kevin Takeuchi sparked the attack with two doubles, while Jack Basseer and Abbrie Covarrubias each drove in a pair of runs, illustrating a lineup that thrives in clutch moments.
Coach Andy Stankiewicz’s decision to remove Edwards after the delay stretched beyond an hour reflected a calculated approach, one that kept the team’s momentum intact.
The win not only added to USC’s nation‑leading tally of ten shutouts but also reinforced a school‑record 32‑1 home record, positioning the Trojans as strong contenders to host an NCAA Tournament Regional.
With an RPI sitting at No. 8, the Trojans’ two‑out hitting has become a hallmark of their style, a trend that began early in the game when Takeuchi and Isaac Cadena delivered pivotal hits.
The Trojans will next meet either UCLA or Purdue in the semifinal scheduled for noon PDT on Saturday, a matchup that could seal their postseason destiny.