After a Saturday rainout, the Sunken Diamond played host to a Sunday doubleheader. Senior starter Andrew Triggs was an inning away from a complete game victory in the series opener before the Cardinal's Austin Wilson delivered a two-run walk-off homerun. In the back end of the twin bill, The Trojans lost a 3-2 pitcher's duel after stranding the bases loaded in the 8th inning.
Despite two crushing losses, Frank Cruz's team responded with force Monday to grab an 8-4 win in the series finale. This time the Trojans owned the 9th inning. With a precarious 5-4 lead heading into the final frame, USC tacked on three runs to pull away.
Just like the series at North Carolina earlier this season, freshman Stephen Tarpley came through with a quality start to avoid the sweep. He is now 4-0 after giving up 2 ER in 6.1 IP.
The Trojans may not be a top 10 team just yet, but the program is building in belief and the results will surely follow. At 14-8 overall, USC has four more games on this road trip.
Freshman Dante Flores epitomizes the Trojans' fighting spirit.
(Photo by Denis Concordel)
