USC Baseball Splits Doubleheader at Northwestern, Extends Winning Streak
In a day filled with highs and lows, the No. 12 USC baseball team split a doubleheader against Northwestern, marking both a continuation and an end to their impressive start to the season. The Trojans claimed victory in the opener with a 2-0 shutout but saw their first defeat of the season in the second game, falling 2-1.
With these results, USC moves to an impressive 19-1 overall and 5-1 in Big Ten play. Meanwhile, Northwestern stands at 7-9-1, 1-2 in the conference.
This 19-game winning streak ties a program record set back in 1955, and the Trojans have already surpassed their previous best season start of 15-0 from 1988. Notably, they were the last undefeated team in the NCAA this season, holding that distinction until Texas' recent loss to Ole Miss.
Game One Recap:
The Trojans dominated the opener with a stellar two-hit shutout. Grant Govel was the star on the mound, pitching 7.0 scoreless innings, striking out six, and allowing no walks. His command was impeccable, leaving the two baserunners stranded and maintaining a remarkable 0.27 ERA over 33.0 innings this season.
In relief, Sax Matson and Adam Troy sealed the deal. Matson struck out two of the five batters he faced, while Troy closed out the game, earning his sixth save of the year.
Offensively, the Trojans broke through in the sixth inning. Kevin Takeuchi delivered a clutch single to bring home Isaac Cadena, and Andrew Lamb added insurance with a sac bunt that scored Adrian Lopez in the eighth.
Game Two Recap:
The second game was a nail-biter. Northwestern took an early lead with a bloop single in the first inning, but USC responded in the eighth.
Andrew Lamb's leadoff triple set the stage, and Adrian Lopez brought him home with a sacrifice fly amid swirling snow flurries. However, the Wildcats loaded the bases in the ninth and walked it off with a single.
Despite the loss, Johnson shone on the mound for USC, delivering 7.1 innings of two-hit ball with a career-high nine strikeouts. His sophomore season is off to a strong start with a 1.63 ERA, a 0.94 WHIP, and 32 strikeouts over 27.2 innings.
Looking Ahead:
USC returns to Southern California for midweek matchups, hosting San Diego State on Tuesday and CSU Bakersfield on Wednesday. They’ll resume Big Ten play next Friday with a three-game series against Washington at Dedeaux Field. Fans can catch all the home action on B1G+.