In College Station, Texas, the USC baseball team secured a spot in Sunday's Regional final by defeating Lamar 19‑6 in an elimination contest, a victory that underscores the Trojans' resilience after a hard‑fought season.
The offensive explosion was more than just a win; it was a statement. USC posted a season‑high total of 19 runs, the most scored by the team in a postseason game since 1998, highlighting a rare surge in power and precision.
Key contributors
Adrian Lopez led the charge with a 3‑for‑5 performance that included a home run and a double, while Andrew Lamb added a 2‑for‑4 outing highlighted by a homer. Isaac Cadena was nearly untouchable, going 3‑for‑3 with two doubles and two walks, and Walter Urbon completed a perfect 5‑for‑5 game featuring a grand slam and a sacrifice fly.
Road ahead
The Trojans now await the loser of the Texas A&M versus Texas State matchup, a opponent that will determine the Regional final opponent. The stakes are high, and USC's momentum could prove decisive.
Relief on the mound
Starter Mason Edwards encountered trouble in the fifth inning before being pulled for reliever Chase Herrell, who stabilized the bullpen and preserved the lead.
Beyond the headline names, depth players such as Kevin Takeuchi and Augie Lopez contributed to the squad's overall strength, ensuring that the team has options as the tournament progresses.