The University of Southern California’s baseball squad is on the cusp of a historic milestone. A 9‑5 win over North Carolina in the opening game of the super‑regional series has left the Trojans just one victory away from their first appearance in the 2026 Men’s College World Series in a quarter‑century.
A Grand Slam That Changed the Game
The turning point came in the sixth inning when sophomore Dean Carpentier launched a first‑career grand slam, flipping a 5‑5 tie into a 9‑5 lead. The blast ignited the crowd at Boshamer Stadium and gave USC the momentum it needed to close out the game.
Building on that surge, the Trojans have rattled off five straight wins, a streak that has restored confidence across the lineup. Their next test arrives on June 6, when they travel to Chapel Hill to face the Tar Heels in Game 2 of the series.
Experts remain divided on the ultimate outcome, with some analysts favoring the Tar Heels’ pitching depth while others point to USC’s recent hitting surge as a decisive factor. Regardless, the contest will be televised on ESPN, with streaming options available through the ESPN app and Fubo.
Fans hoping to catch the action live can tune in at 7 p.m. Eastern, knowing that a single win will cement a remarkable turnaround for a program that has not reached the World Series since 2001.