USC Falls Short in NCAA Tournament
Just two outs away.
That’s how close USC, one of college baseball’s most esteemed programs, came to returning to the College World Series—a place they hadn’t seen since 2001. A heavy moment, really, especially as everything seemed stacked in their favor.
In a critical ninth inning against North Carolina, the Trojans held a slim one-run lead, and the pressure fell on their talented closer, Adam Troy. It was a pivotal moment, but alas, things spiraled out of control.
A full count resulted in a walk. Then, a pitching change was made with a 3-0 count, and a single followed quickly after. North Carolina’s offense seized the opportunity, tying the game with a sacrifice fly. And there it went—momentum had fully shifted.
The game concluded dramatically when Owen Hull sent a walk-off double to end USC’s hopes, solidifying a 4-3 victory for the Tar Heels in Chapel Hill, N.C. Now, the Trojans face a frustrating 26-year drought from the College World Series.
This disappointing outcome marked a heartbreaking finish for USC’s starting pitcher, Andrew Johnson, who delivered a stellar performance—7 2/3 innings of brilliant pitching, allowing only two hits and two runs. Just two days prior, he’d thrown 3 2/3 scoreless innings in the series opener.
Despite their impressive pitching, USC (48-18) showcased power with solo home runs from Kevin Takeuchi and Andrew Lamb, giving them an early 3-1 lead. North Carolina (50-12-1) countered in the third inning with a two-out double from Hull, and USC briefly reclaimed the lead in the fourth with another homer by Takeuchi.
However, as the ninth inning unfolded, those early runs became mere details overshadowed by the unfolding drama. Ultimately, USC, with its illustrious 12 national titles, would have to wait yet another year for the chance at a 13th.
What It Means
This loss is a substantial blow for a program hopeful for its first College World Series appearance in 25 years. Emotions ran high as tears were shed on the field—players fully grasping the weight of this moment and their missed opportunity.
Turning Point
After Johnson exited the game, the Tar Heels’ offense found its rhythm against USC’s relievers, namely Sax Matson, Troy, and Herrell. Oddly, Matson struck out one batter with just a single pitch before Coach Andy Stankiewicz decided to bring in Troy, replacing him after a 3-0 count, which then led to runs for North Carolina.
MVP: Owen Hull
Hull’s pivotal performance included a go-ahead double with two outs in that crucial ninth inning, culminating in four hits from five at-bats, marked by four doubles and two RBIs. Despite struggling to convert opportunities throughout the series, the Tar Heels clinched a vital win, largely due to Hull’s efforts.
Next Steps
With North Carolina advancing to face Ole Miss in the College World Series opener, the Trojans will have to replay this agonizing finale until the 2027 season begins.
