Pepperdine University’s baseball team faced a difficult defeat against USC, losing 11-0 in the second game of their three-game series on Saturday night in Los Angeles. This result leaves Pepperdine with an 0-2 record to start the season.
USC opened the scoring early, with Kevin Takeuchi delivering an RBI single in the first inning. Pepperdine starting pitcher Collin Valentine kept the game close through four innings, giving up two runs on three hits.
“Today was a tough one because the game was closer than the final score showed,” said Head Coach Tyler LaTorre. “Valentine pitched really well and he gave our team a shot early to keep it close. Our hitters just didn’t make adjustments quickly enough and the USC pitchers capitalized. Two games doesn’t define our season, nor does it show the hard work that our players have put in. I’m excited to see how we respond tomorrow. We have a resilient group of young men and I have no doubt that we will get back up off the mat quickly.”
Pepperdine nearly scored in the third inning when Daniel Patterson hit a long foul ball that had home run distance but landed just outside fair territory.
USC widened its lead in the fifth inning with Dean Carpentier hitting a home run, Adrian Lopez scoring on a wild pitch, and Takeuchi adding two more RBIs with a single to left field.
The Trojans added more runs in the seventh inning, including an RBI double by Takeuchi, a two-RBI double from Augie Lopez, and Andrew Lamb’s two-run home run. The game ended after seven innings due to USC’s commanding lead.
Despite allowing several runs later in his outing, Valentine did not walk any of the 20 batters he faced during his time on the mound. Finley Buckner, Johnny Backus, and Julian Nunez each drew walks for Pepperdine but were unable to spark any offense as USC held them hitless throughout the contest.
The final game of this series is scheduled for Sunday at noon Pacific Time and will be available on B1G+. Dylan Stewart is set to start for Pepperdine while Andrew Johnson will pitch for USC.
Pepperdine baseball has established itself as one of the leading mid-major programs nationally, having won an NCAA National Championship in 1992 and made 28 appearances in NCAA Tournaments overall. The team plays its home games at Eddy D. Field Stadium in Malibu, which has produced numerous professional players and All-Americans over its history.
For those interested in attending upcoming home games or learning more about tickets, information can be found online through Pepperdine’s official channels.
Fans can follow updates about Pepperdine baseball by following @PepperdineBASE on social media platforms.
