COLLEGE STATION, Texas — It marked the first meeting between Lamar University and Southern California.
USC's offense surged early to defeat the Cardinals, 19-6, in an elimination game of the College Station Regional on Saturday at Olsen Field at Blue Bell Park.
LU closed the season at 34-27, making its 14th NCAA Regional appearance after winning its first Southland Conference tournament title since 2010.
The Trojans jumped out to a 5-0 lead on two hits, highlighted by a two-run home run from Adrian Lopez and a two-out, three-run shot by Andrew Lamb.
USC extended the lead to 7-0 in the second on three hits, with an RBI double by Adrian Lopez and an RBI single from Augie Lopez.
USC added five runs in the fourth, highlighted by a grand slam from Walter Urbon.
The Cardinals broke through in the fifth when pinch-runner
Easton Culp scored on a wild pitch, sparking a five-run rally.
A.J. Taylor delivered a two-run single to right center, and
Jake Wagoner followed with an RBI double to left center. With the bases loaded,
Braden Benton drew a walk to force in a run.
USC pitcher Mason Edwards, the Big Ten Pitcher of the Year, had not allowed multiple runs on a single play all season.
The Cardinals pushed across their final run in the sixth when
Balin Valentine scored on a throwing error by the third baseman.
GAME NOTES
- Taylor finished 1 for 5 with a single and two RBIs. He finishes the season on a seven-game hitting streak with 12 hits and seven RBIs during the span.
- Wagoner went 1 for 4 with a double and an RBI. Wagoner wrapped up with an eight-game hitting streak, finishing with 15 hits and five RBIs during the streak.
- Tracy had a single and a walk to go 1 for 2. He ends the year on a nine-game hitting streak with 12 hits.
- Brayden Evans went 1 for 3 with a double and a walk.
- Valentine finished 1 for 4 with a double, extending his hitting streak to eight games.
- Theo Kummer had a single to finish 1 for 2.
- The LU pitching staff finishes the season with 516 strikeouts, the most in a single season.
#PeckEmCards
