It was a game that saw the momentum shift between USC and San Diego State several times but in the end, the Trojans came out on top after overcoming a two run deficit to defeat the Aztecs 12-11 at the NCAA Regional in Lake Elsinore. With the defeat, the Aztecs are eliminated from the NCAA tournament and their season ends with a 41-23 record.
The Aztecs took a 3-0 lead after two innings because of RBIs by Seby Zavala, Spencer Thorton, and Alan Trejo. But after Trejo's RBI, Trojans pitcher Mitch Hart retired 12 straight Aztecs batters which gave the Trojans the chance to mount a comeback. After USC cut the Aztec lead to 3-2, Trojans centerfielder Timmy Robinson hit a two run homer to give the Trojans a 4-3 lead. USC extended their lead to 7-3 after scoring three runs in the top of the sixth inning on the strength of an AJ Ramirez two run homer
But the Aztecs came back and scored five runs in the bottom of the sixth inning to retake the lead at 8-7 when Alan Trejo hit a triple to score both Spencer Thornton and Andrew Brown. In the bottom of the seventh inning, the Aztecs scored three runs to extend their lead to 11-7.
But USC would take over the lead for good when in the eighth inning, Jeremy Martinez hit a single to right field which scored two runs to cut the Aztec lead to 11-9 and in the top of the ninth inning with Steven Pallares pitching for SDSU, USC catcher Garrett Stubbs hit a single to right field that scored David Oppenheim to make it 11-10 Aztecs. Then, Jeremy Martinez hit a double to right center that scored two runs to give the Trojans the 12-11 lead. The Aztecs tried to rally in the bottom of the ninth but their rally fell short and their season ends in Lake Elsinore.
The Aztecs concludes their season with their second straight 40 win season and won the Mountain West Tournament title for the third straight year. Despite the loss tonight, the future looks bright for the Aztecs as they head into the next season.
Filed under:
San Diego State loses a heartbreaker to USC in wild contest.
In a back and fourth contest, USC edges SDSU ending the Aztecs season in Lake Elsinore.