USC Baseball Returns Ready to Compete with Its Rival
USC Baseball Faces UCLA in Thrilling Rivalry Series
College baseball has made a triumphant return to Los Angeles, with USC and UCLA meeting in a highly-anticipated series at the sold-out Jackie Robinson Stadium. Tickets for Friday night’s game soared to over $150 on the secondary market, signaling the excitement surrounding the matchup.
This season, the Trojans started with an impressive 19-game winning streak, the longest in the program’s history. However, this rivalry matchup took place under unusual circumstances, as both teams entered the series ranked in the top 10 for the first time in over a decade, making the atmosphere electric. Despite being swept by UCLA, where two games were lost by margins of six or more runs, the competitiveness of the contest cannot be overlooked.
In Friday’s game, the Trojans were tied at four after six innings, putting up a fight even as USC’s ace, Mason Edwards, struggled, giving up more runs in one game than in his previous seven starts combined. As momentum seemed to shift, a misplay by right fielder Andrew Lamb opened the door for UCLA, which erupted for seven runs in the eighth inning.
Despite the weekend sweep, the USC program has seen significant progress under the leadership of head coach Andy Stankiewicz. He has led the team through challenging circumstances, including playing in an unfinished stadium and competing with fewer resources than elite programs in terms of NIL and scholarship support.
“Having a full house, a sold-out crowd is what you want,” Stankiewicz remarked following the losses. “It was fun for a moment, then it wasn’t so much fun. But that’s OK. It’s part of the growth of our program. We feel like we’re moving in the right direction.”
The rivalry’s return to prominence is a notable sign of growth for USC baseball. Stankiewicz remains optimistic despite the defeats, emphasizing the resilience of his squad.
The subsequent match was equally challenging for the Trojans, who fell to UCLA in a closely contested battle that showcased their potential.
As USC looks ahead, the weekend series offered valuable experience that could help position them against future opponents. The Trojans are determined to refine their game, especially as they prepare for upcoming competitions.
