The Trojans fall to 10-17 with the loss, while UC Santa Barbara moves to 20-5 on the season.
USC struck first with a pair of runs in the top of the third, scoring on an RBI single from Matthew Acosta and a sacrifice fly from Jamal O'Guinn. The Gauchos came back with a run in the bottom of the third and then broke the game open with five runs on five hits in the bottom of the fourth. A two-run homer by Tommy Jew in the bottom of the sixth made it 8-2 in favor of the home team.
The Trojans would score runs in the seventh and eighth innings, but gave up two in the bottom of the eighth as well.
TOP PERFORMERS
- Matthew Acosta went 2-for-4 at the plate with an RBI and run scored.
- Carson Lambert struck out four batters in 2.2 innings pitched.
- Austin Manning threw a scoreless seventh inning.
COMING UP
The Trojans welcome No. 7 Arizona State this weekend, opening a three-game set on Friday night at Dedeaux Field.