USC jumped out to a four-run lead and never looked back en route to a 5-3 series opening victory over Nebraska baseball Friday in Irvine, Calif. The Huskers continue to struggle in Big Ten play, falling to 1-6 in league play with the loss.
The Trojans took a 1-0 lead in the first with an RBI single by Adrian Lopez. Then in the third, Kevin Takeuchi hit a two-run double to push the lead to three. Dean Carpentier followed with an RBI single later in the inning to make it 4-0.
The Cornhuskers responded in the fourth with an RBI double by Tyler Stone. Dylan Carey followed with a two-run double to cut USC’s lead to one. But in the seventh, Augie Lopez homered to give the Trojans an insurance run.
Caden Hunter earned the win on the hill for USC, allowing three earned runs in seven innings, striking out seven while walking two. Will Walsh took the loss, allowing eight hits and four earned runs in six innings. Adrian Lopez led the USC lineup, hitting 3-for-4 with an RBI.
Nebraska will try to even the series at one game each Saturday at 4 p.m. Pregame coverage begins at 3:30 p.m. on KLIN.