The No. 21 USC Trojans were held to a singular run in their 4-1 loss to UC Irvine on Tuesday.
What initially seemed to be an exceptional defensive performance from USC's pitching staff was eclipsed by their lulled offense.
The Trojans put together five hits and four walks on the night, but managed to score just one run. This came from a sacrifice fly ball from Andrew Lamb to deep center field that scored Augie Lopez with bases loaded in the fourth inning.
USC fell victim to UC Irvine's masterful pitching performance throughout the game. UC Irvine used five pitchers, none of which pitched longer than 2.1 innings. USC struck out nine times and were thrown out twice while on-base.
Catcher Isaac Cadena was the lone batter to achieve multiple hits, with an infield base hit and a single to right field. Zero players acquired an extra-base hit in the game.
The Trojans' defense put together a stellar outing, despite a busy fifth inning that allowed three runs and the only hits of the game for the Anteaters. With two outs, USC allowed two hits, a walk, and a throwing error from second baseman Abbrie Covarrubias that provided UC Irvine a 4-1 lead.
Covarrubias had made superb plays throughout the evening, such as an over-the-shoulder basket catch that pulled him into right field in the third inning and a diving stop in the fourth. But an explosive fifth inning from UC Irvine gave them a margin that could not be undone.
USC showed five pitchers in the game. Matthew Morrell started his first game for the Trojans, but suffered an injury that pulled him out of the first inning.
Freshman Diego Velazquez appeared out of the bullpen again for USC. Velazquez pitched three innings, allowed zero hits, and struck out three batters in his eleventh showing of the season.
This loss comes after a four-game win streak that includes a series sweep against the Purdue Boilermakers over the weekend. The Trojans' three victories allowed them to climb up to fourth in the Big Ten standings.
The Trojans now hold a 34-12 record on the season. 11 of their 12 losses have come from away games. Their one home loss came from Oregon State back in March.
USC will host the Rutgers Scarlet Knights in the weekend series, starting on Friday, May 1. Rutgers sits at 10th in the Big Ten standings and are 9-12 in the conference.