USC defeats Michigan State to snap three-game skid

IRVINE, Calif. — The USC baseball team defeated Michigan State 10-3 at Great Park on Sunday, snapping a three-game losing streak and closing out their final home game with a win. Despite the victory, USC dropped the three-game series to the Spartans, ending their streak of eight consecutive series wins. 

The Trojans now hold an overall record of 33-18, including a 17-10 record in conference play. They sit in fourth place in the Big Ten standings. 

The team had a rough week leading up to this victory, suffering three consecutive losses for the first time since early March. They were also shut out in the series opener on Friday, falling 5–0 to the Spartans.

However, USC made sure to flip the switch on Sunday.

The Trojans got back on track early in the game by scoring two runs in the first inning, followed by four in the third. After Brayden Dowd and Ethan Hedges led off the game with back-to-back singles, USC’s first run came on a bunt by Bryce Grudzielanek that resulted in a throwing error by Spartans pitcher Nolan Higgins, allowing Dowd to round third and score. Adrian Lopez followed up with an RBI single that drove in Hedges. 

The heart of the lineup kept it piling in the third inning. Hedges reached on a bunt single and advanced to third on a double by Grudzielanek. With two runners in scoring position, Johnny Lopez delivered an RBI single to score Hedges. Andrew Lamb then reached on another Michigan State error, allowing Grudzielanek to score. Abbrie Covarrubias put a stamp on this inning with a two-RBI double that brought home Lamb and Lopez, extending the lead to 6-0. 

Jack Basser joined the offensive surge with a solo home run in the fifth. 

The Trojans continued to pour it on, as Dowd followed with a two-run homer to give USC a commanding 10-0 lead.

USC’s victory was a great example of how they have been clicking on all cylinders lately. In addition to the explosive offense, the Trojans’ pitching staff turned in a dominant performance, holding the Spartans scoreless until the seventh inning.

It was a team effort as six different guys stepped on the mound for the Trojans on Sunday, but left-hander Mason Edwards stood out in particular as he started the game and threw three scoreless innings with five strikeouts

The Trojans will now head to Washington to take on the Huskies for their final series of the regular season. The three-game set is set to start on Thursday.