Injuries in USC pitching rotation has put a crimp in the Trojans’ season. They gave losing records in the Pac-12 (5-7) and overall (16-19).

If the pitching staff can get healthy in the next month, USC is capable of rebounding and making the post-season NCAAs.

Last Tuesday the Trojans beat a good Long Beach State (21-14) team 8-3. They showed what they can do when their pitching is solid. USC used five pitchers. Some were coming off the injury list, good news.

Offense never has been the problem. That was evident against the Dirtbags. USC blasted five home runs among 12 hits.

They hope the hit parade and good pitching continue this weekend at Washington State for a three-game series starting tonight through Sunday.

Back home on Tuesday, they will face U.C. Irvine and play six Pac-12 home games in a row against Arizona and Washington.

Third baseman Adalberto Carrillo starred against Long Beach State. He homered twice and drove in three runs.

“We have been hitting well all season,” Carrillo said. “Now the pitching is getting better.”
Carrillo talked about competing in the Pac-12. “It’s tough but everyone is beating up on each other,” he said. “We have the talent to be a good team. We need to finish with a good record and find a way to get into the regionals. Once there, no team that can stop us.”

USC Coach Dan Hubbs, who is also a former Trojan player is hoping the next few weeks will be the turning point in their season. “We are starting to get healthy,” he said, “but we are not where we want to be. The offense has done a really good job. Now we have to find consistency in our pitching.”
Hubbs knows expectations at USC always are high. “I played here. I know what this is all about. I lived it. When you coach and play at USC, you are expected to win.”

Mr. Finley may be contacted at sfinley50@aol.com