USC Baseball Faces Challenge Ahead of College World Series
The path to the College World Series is proving challenging for USC baseball.
After a strong start in the NCAA Tournament Super Regional, the Trojans encountered a tougher opponent on Saturday.
North Carolina’s ace, Jason DeCaro, effectively stifled one of the hottest offenses in college baseball, leading to a 4-0 victory over the fifth-seeded Trojans at Boshamer Stadium in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
DeCaro achieved a milestone by recording the first shutout in a Super Regional elimination game since 2019 when Vanderbilt’s Kumar Rocker pitched a no-hitter against Duke. He held USC, which had scored an impressive 64 runs over its previous five games, to just two hits and one walk, striking out eight batters in the process. It was quite a performance.
“Honestly, today was all about Jason DeCaro,” USC coach Andy Stankiewicz admitted. “He pitched a great game.”
USC (48-17) struggled offensively, with only five runners making it to base and none getting past first. This loss snapped a five-game postseason winning streak, making Sunday’s upcoming Game 3 crucial for advancing to the College World Series for the first time since 2001.
Stankiewicz underscored the importance of the next game: “Today is probably the most important Sunday that they will play tomorrow. So we’re going to be ready.”
Trojans pitcher Grant Goebel gave up just one run in the fifth inning, which included two solo home runs from Colin Hynek, but the bullpen faltered, allowing three additional runs.
What It Means
There’s still much to do if USC, the most decorated program in college baseball history, aims to return to the sport’s largest stage after a 25-year absence.
The team must decide who will take the mound in Game 3. Options include freshman right-hander Diego Velasquez and sophomore Andrew Johnson, who has shown promise in relief. Manager Stankiewicz hinted at possibly using a committee approach when it comes to pitching. “That would be everyone,” he noted. “You can’t do too much for too long.”
Turning Point
USC’s bullpen, which had performed well in their earlier match, faced challenges during this game. Sax Matson, who relieved Goebel, allowed a home run on just his third pitch, deepening the Trojans’ deficit to 2-0. He later incurred another run but was pulled in the seventh after a leadoff walk.
MVP: Jason DeCaro
DeCaro delivered a phenomenal performance, likely marking his final game at home. Celebrating after the last out, he was cheered on by notable figures, including former North Carolina basketball coach Roy Williams, who joyfully raised his arms in victory.
To the Next
The teams are set to clash again on Sunday at noon Pacific, with the outcome determining a trip to Omaha, Nebraska. This decisive game will be aired on ESPN.
