Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning Andy Stankiewicz across Baseball.
After a standout 2026 season that saw USC fall just one game short of the Super Regional, the program loses Isaac Cadena and Augie Lopez, but returning talent offers a glimpse of renewal.
Oklahoma’s 13‑2 victory over North Carolina in the 2026 College World Series final illustrates how a team’s regular‑season record can be eclipsed by its tournament execution, a lesson that will shape future strategies for programs like USC.
Keith Zuniga, who helped guide the Rainbow Warriors to a No. 3 national ERA in 2026, joins the Trojans after Sean Allen’s departure, bringing a blend of coaching success, recruiting savvy and data‑driven preparation.
Veteran coach Keith Zuniga leaves the University of Hawai‘i after a record‑setting tenure to join USC's baseball program, prompting a reshuffle of the Rainbow Warriors' coaching staff
The USC Trojans baseball program enjoyed its most successful campaign in recent memory, finishing the 2026 season with a 48‑18 record under head coach Andy Stankiewicz. The team’s surge carried them to the Chapel Hill Super Regional, where they fell just one game short of the College World Series. In the Super Regional, the Trojans dropped a 4‑3 decision to the North Carolina Tar Heels, a loss that underscored how close the squad came to a national breakthrough. Despite the narrow defeat, the performance cemented the program’s reputation as a rising force in collegiate baseball. Central to the Trojans’ offseason agenda is the pursuit of South Carolina Gamecocks infielder Will Craddock, a highly touted transfer portal prospect. Craddock posted a .260 batting average and hit 10 home runs during the 2026 campaign, traits that have attracted considerable attention from USC’s recruiting staff. Coach Stankiewicz hopes the addition of Craddock will complement the return of junior infielder Kevin Takeuchi and senior outfielder Jack Basseer, both of whom contributed significantly last season. Takeuchi finished with a .320 average, 77 hits, 65 runs and 10 homers, while Basseer provides veteran depth in the outfield. On the mound, sophomore right‑hander Grant Govel is slated to anchor the rotation. Govel posted a 2.87 ERA and struck out 99 batters while compiling a 10‑3 record in 2026, numbers that position him as a frontline ace for the 2027 rotation. The Trojans’ blend of experienced returners and targeted transfers creates a compelling narrative as they aim to translate a strong regular season into a College World Series appearance. With a solid recruiting pipeline and a pitching staff that proved its mettle last year, USC is positioning itself as a contender in the national landscape.
The USC Trojans finished the 2026 campaign with a 48‑18 record under coach Andy Stankiewicz, returning key players like Kevin Takeuchi and Grant Govel while pursuing South Carolina infielder Will Craddock for the 2027 season.
Keith Zuniga, celebrated for his work at Hawaii and New Mexico State, has been appointed USC's new pitching coach, succeeding Sean Allen who now leads Lamar University.
After Sean Allen’s departure, USC taps Hawaii’s record‑setting pitching coach Keith Zuniga to restore depth and competitiveness ahead of the next season.
USC’s standout sophomore Augie Lopez has entered the transfer portal, prompting the program to rethink its catching depth and offensive lineup ahead of the next season.
Greg Bordes, a former Arizona State player and coach at several universities, has been named the new baseball coach at Hamilton High School in Chandler, succeeding Mike Woods, who retired after leading the program to ten championships.
Mason Edwards' record-breaking strikeout total, sub‑2.00 ERA and elite pitch arsenal secure him Baseball America's 2026 College Pitcher of the Year honor.
The Tar Heels have advanced to the College World Series after a dramatic Super Regional win over USC, now preparing to meet the Ole Miss Rebels in Omaha.
Despite a 4-3 defeat that ended their campaign, the USC baseball team reflects on a historic 19-game winning streak, emerging talents, and upcoming draft prospects.
The Trojans' near-miss in Chapel Hill underscores both the promise and the pain of a historic season.
The Trojans' most successful season in 25 years showcases Coach Andy Stankiewicz's foundation, a heartbreaking Super Regional loss, and a future built on scholarship investment and player development.
The USC Trojans saw a promising season end in a 4‑3 loss to North Carolina, with a ninth‑inning rally sealing their fate.
North Carolina erased a 3‑1 deficit in the ninth inning, with Owen Hull’s decisive hit sending the Tar Heels to the Men’s College World Series and eliminating the Big Ten from contention.
A complete‑game effort by Jason DeCaro has put the Tar Heels on the cusp of a national title, but their offense must find a spark against a resilient USC squad.
After a five‑game stretch of seven‑plus runs, USC was held scoreless by North Carolina’s Jason DeCaro, who threw a full nine innings without allowing a hit. The Trojans now must win one of the final two games to reach the College World Series, with Game 3 set for Sunday in Chapel Hill.
UNC’s Jason DeCaro tossed a shutout against USC, paving the way for a decisive Game 3 in the Chapel Hill Super Regional.
North Carolina’s Jason DeCaro delivered a near‑perfect outing, shutting out USC 4‑0 and forcing a winner‑take‑all Game 3 that could end the Trojans’ 25‑year College World Series drought.
After two decades of near-misses, the Trojans have surged to the NCAA super regionals, driven by a resilient roster and a coach who turned adversity into opportunity.
The Trojans have advanced to the Chapel Hill Super Regionals and must rely on a strategic rest for their top pitcher and an early offensive burst to challenge the Tar Heels.
The Trojans defeated Texas A&M 7‑1 to advance to the Super Regional, with Augie Lopez’s five‑run performance leading the charge toward a potential College World Series appearance.