USC prevails in extra innings after nail-biting finish over Oregon
The USC Trojans’ pitching flourished in another standout performance from Mason Edwards, but leaned on Isaac Cadena’s home run in extra innings to defeat the Oregon Ducks 2-1.
USC Trojans pitcher Mason Edwards (30) throws a pitch 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. 17 USC Trojans survived the No. 16 Oregon Ducks 2-1 in an extra-inning finish on Thursday night.
Defense shined throughout the series opener between the two ranked Big Ten opponents in Eugene. USC’s Mason Edwards dominated over six scoreless innings and totaled 12 strikeouts with just four hits. Oregon’s Cal Scolari pitched five innings and gave up four hits and one run.
But Trojans’ catcher Isaac Cadena claimed the game in the 11th inning with a booming solo home run to right field that put USC up 2-1. This came after Cadena displayed his own talent behind the plate, having thrown out two Oregon baserunners in attempted steals before being moved to left field. In the bottom of the 11th inning, with bases loaded and two outs, Oregon's centerfielder Jack Brooks lined the first pitch of the at-bat toward shallow left field.
Cadena bolted toward the ball to make a sliding catch that silenced the Oregon crowd and ended the game. Cadena's homer was the biggest hit for the Trojans in an otherwise quiet game for their offense. USC obtained six hits over the 11 innings and went nine innings before scoring their second run of the game.