USC Baseball triumphs over TCU, securing its first NCAA tournament victory in a decade.
In Corvallis, Oregon, USC baseball made a triumphant return to the NCAA tournament after a decade-long absence, demonstrating poise and prowess in a 13-1 victory against No. 22 Texas Christian on Friday.
The Trojans showcased an impressive display of resilience and versatility, amassing 14 hits and taking advantage of 13 freebies, including nine walks and four hit batters. USC's approach at the plate was relentless, forcing TCU to deploy multiple pitchers and pushing their starter, All-Big 12 first-team selection Tommy LaPour, out in the fourth inning.
Nine-hole hitter Richard Tejeda was a catalyst for the Trojans, driving in the first run with a two-out single in the second inning. His hustle and determination were evident when he collided with the dugout railing while making a spectacular catch of a foul pop in the following inning.
In the sixth inning, Tejeda began a rally with a single. With the heart of the USC lineup approaching, the bases were loaded, and Bryce Martin-Grudzielanek, Adrian Lopez, and Abbrie Covarrubias combined to score three runs. The Trojans added three more runs in the seventh, highlighted by Lopez's run-scoring single.
Meanwhile, USC's senior starting pitcher Caden Aoki solidified the win with an outstanding performance on the mound. He diced up a young and talented TCU lineup, mixing his four pitches effectively to hold them scoreless for eight innings. Aoki attributed his success to pitching coach Sean Allen, who recognized TCU's game plan and exploited their tendency to sit soft.
TCU managed only one highlight, a solo home run by star freshman Sawyer Strosnider in the fourth inning. The Horned Frogs struggled to generate offensive momentum against Aoki, who faced just three over the minimum in eight sterling innings.
Following their victory, USC advanced to the winner's bracket, where they will face Saint Mary's on Saturday at 6 p.m. PDT. Saint Mary's had previously defeated regional host and eighth national seed Oregon State 6-4. USC's surprising and spirited performance in the 2025 Corvallis Regional has brought newfound excitement to their program, as they look to continue their breakthrough season.
The Trojans' victorious return to the NCAA tournament in California was not limited to the baseball field, as USC's senior starting pitcher Caden Aoki displayed his prowess on the mound, winning against TCU with an outstanding performance. Richard Tejeda, the nine-hole hitter, proved to be a catalyst for USC, driving the first run and exhibiting hustle and determination throughout the game in Corvallis, Oregon.
