Tyler Lozano's Late Grand Slam Gives USC Baseball 7-5 Win Over Santa Clara
LOS ANGELES – Tyler Lozano hit a go-ahead grand slam in the eighth inning to give the USC baseball team a dramatic, come-from-behind 7-5 win over Santa Clara on Saturday afternoon at Dedeaux Field.
The Trojans trailed most of the afternoon, but scored all seven of their runs in their final two innings at the plate to move to 2-0 on the year. Saturday's thrilling victory comes on the heels of an opening day shutout for the Trojans last night.
USC trailed 5-2 heading into the eighth and got an early unearned run to make it a two-run game before Lozano stepped to the plate with two outs and the bases loaded. The USC catcher lifted the second pitch he saw to deep left field, for his first homer of the year. Rhylan Thomas and Trevor Halsema each singled earlier in the inning and Carson Wells drew a walk to load the bases. Halsema's single brought home the first run of the inning.
Tyler Stromsborg made his first collegiate start in the game, tossing 5.0 scoreless innings in a strong showing. He scattered five hits and walked none while striking out four batters to take the no-decision.
Santa Clara got to the Trojan bullpen for four runs in the sixth and one in the eighth. Ethan Reed settled things down when he entered in the seventh, getting all three outs to strand a pair of inherited runners. Matt Keating entered after the Broncos scored one in the eighth, getting a strikeout to again strand a pair of runners. Keating retired the side in order in the ninth, getting a groundout and two K's to seal the victory.
TOP PERFORMERS
- Tyler Lozano: 1-for-4, GS, 4RBI
- Trevor Halsema: 2-for-4, RBI, R, 3B
- Tyler Stromsborg: 5.0 IP, 0R, 5H, 0BB, 4K
- Matt Keating: W, 1.1 IP, 0H, 0R, 0BB, 3K
COMING UP
The Trojans go for the sweep on Sunday at 1 p.m. USC then hosts UC San Diego on Tuesday for another non-conference matchup. Both games will be streamed live on Pac-12+ via USCTrojans.com.
Hear from the man of the hour, @Tyler_lozano_11, after his first career grand slam! #FightOn pic.twitter.com/RlpQOkT2gN
— USC Baseball (@USC_Baseball) February 20, 2022