The University of Southern California’s baseball squad saw its College Station Regional campaign unravel in the ninth inning, as a critical misplay handed Texas State a 5-4 victory.
USC had built multiple leads during the contest, including a 4-3 advantage that seemed secure, but the Trojans failed to clear a leadoff double in the sixth and left a runner stranded at third with one out, a missed opportunity that proved costly.
The loss also erased Adrian Lopez’s go-ahead home run in the eighth, a blow that underscored the team’s inability to capitalize on scoring chances.
A Race Against Time
The defeat marks the second straight NCAA Tournament appearance for the Trojans, a feat that highlights the program’s recent resurgence, yet it now forces a sudden‑death scenario against No. 4 seed Lamar.
USC must win four games in as many days, beginning with an elimination matchup against Lamar scheduled for Saturday at 1 p.m. Pacific time, 3 p.m. Central, streamed on ESPN Plus.