USC Trojans Baseball On the Verge of History

The USC Trojans baseball team’s historic undefeated start to the 2026 season continues. The Trojans are now 14-0 following a second consecutive 4-0 shutout win over the Illinois Fighting Illini. With the win, the Trojans are now one win away from tying their best start to a season in program history.

In Saturday’s win over the Fighting Illini, USC was impressive once again on the mound, as this time it was sophomore right-handed pitcher Grant Govel, who earned the shutout for the Trojans. Govel, in seven innings pitched for the Trojans, recorded two strikeouts and gave up six hits.

USC Trojans Illinois Fighting Illini College Baseball Big Ten Grant Govel Mason Edwards pitchers 2026 season shutout wins — May 31, 2025; Corvallis, OR, USA; USC infielder Ethan Hedges (15) encourage infielder Bryce Martin-Grudzielanek (27) during the fifth inning after hitting his second home run of the game at the NCAA Corvallis Regional at Goss Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images | Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images

This performance by Govel comes after junior left-handed pitcher Mason Edwards put on a show in the Trojans' 4-0 shutout win over the Fighting Illini on Friday. In the Trojans' shutout win on Friday, Edwards pitched in six innings, recording 11 strikeouts and allowing only two hits to improve his record to 3-0 on the season.

How Pitching Can Play Role In Trojans Success

USC Trojans College Baseball Big Ten NCAA Tournament 2026 season Illinois Fighting Illini Mason Edwards Grant Govel pitchers — May 31, 2025; Corvallis, OR, USA; USC pitcher Caden Hunter (22) high-fives teammates after a game against Saint Mary's at the NCAA Corvallis Regional at Goss Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images | Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images

As the Trojans' season continues and they get into the heat of Big Ten play in April and early May, the performance of USC’s pitchers is bound to play a crucial role in helping them become one of the best teams in the conference and make it back to the NCAA Tournament with the potential for more.

Following a 2025 season that featured the Trojans posting a 37-23 overall record and finishing 18-12 in Big Ten conference play, USC looks to take a major step forward by being more consistent and making a deeper run in the NCAA Tournament. Judging off the 14-0 start to the 2026 season, so far, the Trojans are on the right track.

Top Performers In USC's Shutout Win Over Illinois

USC Trojans College Baseball Big Ten series Illinois Fighting Illini Adrian Lopez Kevin Takeuchi Oregon Ducks UCLA Bruins — May 31, 2025; Corvallis, OR, USA; USC head coach Andy Stankiewicz takes questions after a game against Saint Mary's at the NCAA Corvallis Regional at Goss Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images | Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images

Top offensive performers for the Trojans in the second win of their three-game weekend series against the Illinois Fighting Illini included junior infielders Adrian Lopez and Kevin Takeuchi. Lopez led the Trojans in the win over the Fighting Illini, recording two runs and two hits. Takeuchi added two hits and one run for the Trojans.

The Trojans are one of two undefeated teams remaining in college baseball. The Texas Longhorns also post a 14-0 overall record following their 11-9 win over the USC Upstate Spartans on Saturday night in Austin. The Longhorns won, surviving a ninth inning rally in which USC Upstate scored six runs.

In addition to USC, the other Big Ten teams that have gotten off to a strong start to the season include the UCLA Bruins and Oregon Ducks, who both have 11 wins. Oregon is one of the teams that could pose a threat to USC this season, as they are coming off a Big Ten regular-season title in 2025.

The Trojans look to tie their best start to a season on Sunday in their final game of the series against the Fighting Illini. The first pitch from Dedeaux Field is scheduled for 11 a.m. PT with the game broadcast on Big Ten Plus.

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