Cole Gabrielson Hits Walk-Off Single as USC Baseball Beats No. 22 UCLA 6-5

Sunday, April 23

Los Angeles, Calif.

4:00 PM

USC

24-14-1, 11-7

UCLA

22-13-1, 9-7-1

UCLA

USC

Cole Gabrielson Hits Walk-Off Single as USC Baseball Beats No. 22 UCLA 6-5

April 23, 2023 | Baseball

Box Score Highlights Box Score (PDF)

LOS ANGELES – Cole Gabrielson ended a thrilling series finale with a walk-off single in the bottom of the ninth inning, giving the USC baseball team a 6-5 victory over No. 22 UCLA.

The Trojans (24-14-1, 11-7) took the series with wins on Saturday and Sunday, after the Bruins (22-13-1, 9-7-1) won the opener.

Gabrielson's walk-off hit to right came with two outs in the bottom of the ninth, as he hit a ball over the right fielder's head to bring home Ryan Jackson and set off the celebration at Dedeaux Field. Jackson had led off the ninth with a single to right and was moved up on another single by Bryce Martin-Grudzielanek. After an intentional walk loaded the bases, Gabrielson came up and ended the game on a 2-2 pitch.

The Trojans led early thanks to back-to-back solo homers by Johnny Olmstead and Ethan Hedges, but UCLA came back to take the lead with four runs in the seventh. USC responded in the bottom of the seventh, getting RBI from Martin-Grudzielanek and Carson Wells to tie the game.

The Bruins put runners on the corners in both the eighth and ninth innings, but USC closer Garrett Clarke got out of the jam both times, including a dramatic strikeout to end the top of the ninth.

GAME NOTES
» Sodersten struck out six Bruins hitters.
» USC's highest scoring inning was the seventh, when it pushed two runs across.
» USC went 4-for-9 (.444) with runners in scoring position.
» USC pitchers faced 44 UCLA hitters in the game, allowing eight ground balls and seven fly balls while striking out nine.
» The Trojans drew four walks from UCLA pitching.
» Olmstead led the Trojans at the plate, going 1-for-4 with a home run and an RBI.
» UCLA was led offensively by junior Kyle Karros, who went 1-for-4 with a double and three RBI.
» Senior Kelly Austin led the Bruins pitching staff, throwing two innings of one-run ball.

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