The No. 18 USC Trojans delivered a commanding performance on senior night at Dedeaux Field, securing an 11-3 victory over the Nevada Wolfpack and notching their 40th win of the season—a milestone the program hasn't reached since 2005.
From the first pitch, the Trojans' bats were relentless. USC exploded for seven runs in the first three innings, then tacked on four more in the sixth to put the game out of reach. The offensive showcase was highlighted by back-to-back solo home runs from right fielder Jack Basseer and left fielder Andrew Lamb in the third inning—a feat the duo also accomplished in the first inning of Thursday's matchup against Nevada.
Basseer drove in three runs on the night, including a bases-clearing double down the left-field line in the sixth inning off a hanging breaking ball. Second baseman Kevin Takeuchi matched that production with three RBIs of his own, while also flashing elite glove work in the field.
On the mound, starting pitcher Grant Govel delivered a steady performance, working six innings and earning his 10th win of the season. After allowing two runs in the second inning, Govel locked in and tossed four scoreless frames, finishing with seven strikeouts, five hits, and just one walk.
First baseman Adrian Lopez and catcher Isaac Cadena also made their presence felt. Lopez scored three times and reached base safely via two walks and an infield single, while Cadena contributed two RBIs, including a sharp single to right field in the second inning that brought center fielder Walter Urbon home.
Relief pitcher Gavin Lauridsen entered in the seventh inning and surrendered a solo home run to Nevada left fielder Jackson Waller on his first batter. But Lauridsen quickly regrouped, striking out three and allowing no additional hits the rest of the way.
The win pushes USC's overall record to 40-12 and improves their Big Ten standing to third place with a 19-8 conference mark. The Trojans have now won nine of their last ten games and are riding a six-game winning streak. For Nevada, the loss drops them to 23-23 on the season.
USC will look to complete the series sweep on Saturday and extend their winning streak to seven games.