The Washington Huskies lost to No. 13 USC by a score of 7-2 on March 21, as the Trojans scored all their runs in the first two innings before the Huskies’ bullpen held them scoreless for the remainder of the game.
This result moves Washington to a record of 9-13 overall and 4-4 in Big Ten play. The early deficit proved too much for the Huskies to overcome, but relief pitchers Gunnar Nichols, Jaxson Gore, and Liam Lierman combined for 6.1 scoreless innings, allowing only four hits and one walk. Lierman led with four strikeouts over three innings.
Colton Bower provided an offensive highlight for Washington with his sixth home run of the season, a solo shot in the second inning that traveled 365 feet to left field. Bower now leads the team in both home runs (6) and runs batted in (20). Sam DeCarlo drove in another run with an RBI single that brought Jackson Hotchkiss home after Hotchkiss doubled to start the sixth inning. Ty Cowan also hit a double late in the game.
Alexander Pearson made his first collegiate start as designated hitter and recorded his first career hit, contributing to Washington’s total of six hits on the night.
The Huskies will aim to rebound in game three of their series against USC, scheduled for Sunday at 1 p.m. in Los Angeles.
