LOS ANGELES — Although the Trojans had several opportunities to take the lead they were unable to get the runs across and beat the bruins. This game looked a lot differently than the previous outings for USC. The Trojans are used to high scoring games getting run after run, but this time they struggled against the Bruins pitching leading to a 5-3 loss. Even with a late rally in the top of the 9th they could not put enough runs on the board.
UCLA started out quick scoring three runs in the first three innings. The bottom of the 2nd started with a series of unfortunate plays for USC as UCLA’s Darius Perry got hit by the pitch giving him first base. Then the Bruin’s JonJon Vaughns was able to send the ball into the stands for a two run homer. The Bruins stayed on track the next inning getting a single from Kyle Karros and a double from Jack Holman scoring Karros. The Trojans started slow not scoring their first run until the sixth inning. Johnny Olmstead was able to reach first base thanks to a UCLA first baseman error. This led to an Ethan Hedges RBI double to right center allowing Olmstead to make it home. UCLA answered right back scoring two more runs in the bottom of the 6th. The first came from two walks, a USC fielding error, and a single from Salgado. The Bruin’s final run of the game was another unearned run from Carson Yates.
The Trojans had a top of 9th inning rally but the Bruins were able to calm the storm and secure the win against their crosstown rivals. In the top of the 9th USC started to find the ball and this was signified from Nate Cow’s late game 2 run homer. USC looked like they were making run and could send the game into the bottom of the 9th. With 2 men on base Senior Nick Lopez was looking for big contact but was not able to get all of it and hit a fly ball to end the game. A crushing loss for the Trojans and big conference win the Bruins.
How it happened: USC was not able to keep up with UCLA’s pitching. They found their groove too late and by the time they started making contact with the ball the game was already said and done.
What it means: The Trojans record now goes to 5-5-1 while the Bruin’s record is 9-2 and stakes their claim to their 17th overall ranking. USC on the other hand with this loss has a .500 record. However there is still a lot of season left and in the next outing we could see a different outcome.
Hits: Nate Cow had a solid performance going 1-for-1, 2 runs, and having a much needed home run.
Misses: Starting Pitcher Red-Shirt Freshman Eric Hammond started the game off poorly allowing the Bruins to get three runs off on him.
Up Next: USC has a few days to shake things off and looks to rebound on Wednesday against University of Nevada’s Wolfpack. With home field advantage The Trojans are hoping for a much needed win.
