MLB USC baseball scores huge win over Arizona, improves NCAA bubble position
The USC Trojans did not win two baseball games over the weekend in Tucson against the Arizona Wildcats, which means they did not fully lock up an NCAA Tournament bid. However, they avoided a three-game sweep, which means they avoided a worst-case scenario.
The Trojans are not a good road team, so they needed to add a road victory to their portfolio before the NCAA Tournament field is selected. Mission accomplished: The Trojans’ bats came alive on Saturday night in a 14-6 win over Arizona. The win doesn’t make USC a lock, but it puts the Trojans on the good side of the bubble. They would have been in real trouble had they lost. With a win, they are in a significantly improved position entering the Pac-12 Tournament, in which they will be the No. 4 seed.
Let’s look at this game against Arizona:
HIGHLIGHTS
HIGHLIGHTS | Check out full highlights from tonight's win here… pic.twitter.com/UN4mOqFchQ
— USC Baseball (@USC_Baseball) May 21, 2023
KEY PLAY
Bye Ball!
Cole Gabrielson DESTROYS a ball that #Arizona LF Chase Davis takes one step before giving up on and putting his head down in dismay. Gabrielson's 3-R HR pushes #USC's lead to 9-3 after Ryan Jackson hit 2-R HR earlier in T4.
— Shotgun Spratling (@ShotgunSprD1) May 21, 2023
STATS
Final: @USC_Baseball salvages weekend series at #Arizona with 14-6 win to finish 17-13 in Pac-12 play.
Trojan bullpen: 4.2 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 BB, K.
Carson Wells: 4-5, 4 R, 2B, HR, 3 RBI.
Ryan Jackson: 4-5, 2 R, 2B, HR, 2 RBI.
Mac Bingham: 4-5, 2 R, 2B, HR, 2 RBI.— Shotgun Spratling (@ShotgunSprD1) May 21, 2023
BUBBLE ANALYSIS
#USC's 8-9 hitters combine for 8 hits and Trojans get Austin Overn back on track a little after a 1-for-23 stretch.
With the win, #USC has locked up the No. 4 seed in the Pac-12 Tournament and likely an NCAA tournament bid in Andy Stankiewicz' first season as head coach. https://t.co/nOq57jo61a
— Shotgun Spratling (@ShotgunSpr) May 21, 2023
RECAP
RECAP | The Trojans closed out the regular season in style, winning their 33rd game overall and 17th in Pac-12 play behind an impressive offensive outburst on the road!https://t.co/3Gjs5Ndpnt
— USC Baseball (@USC_Baseball) May 21, 2023
MILESTONES
Both win totals are the best for a USC team since 2015 (the last time the Trojans made an NCAA Tournament) ✌️ https://t.co/wdtD2p5w00
— USC Baseball (@USC_Baseball) May 21, 2023
