The Washington Huskies lost the first game of a three-game baseball series against No. 13 University of Southern California, falling 5-0 on Friday night, March 20, in Los Angeles.
The loss brings Washington’s season record to 9-12 and their Big Ten conference record to 4-3. The defeat also ends the Huskies’ three-game winning streak.
Despite holding USC to just six hits and only three earned runs, the Huskies were unable to generate enough offense for a comeback. Starting pitcher Noah Kenney threw for 5.1 innings, allowing six hits and three earned runs while striking out three batters. Tommy Brandenburg finished the game with 2.2 innings of no-hit relief.
Offensively, Washington struggled against USC pitcher Mason Edwards, who is considered one of the top pitchers in college baseball. Daniel Porras and Colton Bower each recorded singles for the Huskies but the team was unable to score any runs.
Kenney’s outing marked his sixth consecutive appearance pitching at least 4.1 innings for Washington. The team will look to recover in game two of the series on Saturday night when Jackson Thomas is scheduled to start for the Huskies at 7 p.m., again in Los Angeles.
The outcome could impact Washington’s momentum as they continue through Big Ten play this season.
