USC falls to UC Irvine 4-1 in slow night for offense
USC was unable to provide effective run production with five hits in 4-1 loss.
USC Trojans infielder Maddox Riske (9) runs to first base after making contact during an NCAA baseball game between University of Southern California and University of California Los Angeles on Friday, April 3, 2026 at Jackie Robinson Stadium in Los Angeles Calif 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.