Trojans Take Down Titans on the Road, 7-1

Tuesday, February 25

Fullerton, Calif.

6:00 PM

USC

5-2

Cal State Fullerton

3-5

USC

Cal State Fullerton

Photo by: David Cohen

Trojans Take Down Titans on the Road, 7-1

February 25, 2020 | Baseball, Features

Box Score Highlights Final Stats Box Score (PDF)

FULLERTON, Calif. – Ben Wanger went 4-for-4 with three RBI and seven Trojan arms, including Wanger, combined to hold Cal State Fullerton in check for a 7-1 win on the road Tuesday evening.

The Trojans move to 5-2 with the win, while Cal State Fullerton falls to 3-5 on the season.

USC jumped out to a 4-0 lead in the first and never looked back. Clay Owens started things off with a two-run triple, and Wanger and Tyler Lozano would follow with RBI in the opening frame. The Trojans added runs in the fifth, sixth and seventh innings before finally giving up a run to the Titans in the eighth. Fullerton's lone run was unearned.

USC had to work out of jams in the fourth and fifth to hold their lead, with Ethan Hoopingarner entering with the bases loaded and one out in the fourth, then getting two strikeouts to end the threat. The Titans again loaded the bases in the fifth, but Jamal O'Guinn made a leaping grab on a high-hopper at third to again strand three Fullerton runners. The Titans left 14 runners on base in the game.

Wanger doubled home runs in the fifth and seventh innings, and Rhylan Thomas singled home a run in the sixth. Wanger was the last of seven USC pitchers to enter the game, getting the final four outs for USC, including stranding the bases loaded in the eighth with a flyout.

TOP PERFORMERS

Ben Wanger went 4-for-4 at the plate, with 3 RBI and 3 doubles. He also tossed 1.1 perfect innings to finish the game.
Brian Gursky made a solid start on the mound for the Trojans, tossing 3.2 scoreless innings, giving up one hit and one walk, while striking out one as well.
Clay Owens was 1-for-3 with a 2-run triple, run scored and a walk.
Rhylan Thomas had 2 hits, an RBI and a run scored.
Tyler Lozano had 2 hits, one being a triple, and one RBI.
Ethan Hoopingarner and Carson Lambert each tossed 1.1 scoreless innings in relief.

UP NEXT
The Trojans host Keio University from Japan for an exhibition game at Dedeaux Field on Wednesday night and then will welcome in Seton Hall for a three game series starting on Friday.

Hear from @USCCoachGill after leading the Trojans to a victory over his alma mater. #FightOn pic.twitter.com/wbOsDtbfPV
— USC Baseball (@USC_Baseball) February 26, 2020

Also hear from Ben Wanger after his stellar day at the plate and on the mound. #FightOn pic.twitter.com/ivTExBNNsH
— USC Baseball (@USC_Baseball) February 26, 2020