USC scored 10 runs in the first three innings Saturday, and went on to beat a sloppy Arizona Wildcats team 12-2 at Dedeaux Field.
The result was a reversal for the teams; Arizona beat the Trojans 14-2 on Friday night. The UA and USC will play the decisive game to their series Sunday afternoon.
The Trojans stung UA starter Michael Flynn for two runs in the first inning Saturday and added a pair of runs in the second before striking for six in the third. The Trojans sent 12 batters to the plate in the big inning, registering seven hits. UA reliever Avery Weems allowed five runs, and was chased before the end of the frame. Jonathan Guaradado took over, and went on to pitch 3 2/3 innings.
Arizona managed just five hits, with Alfonso Rivas (2 for 2, two RBIs) the only player to finish with more than one hit. Nick Quintana, the Pac-12’s hottest hitter, went hitless in four at-bats, striking out twice.
The Wildcats walked five times as a team, one night after taking 15 free passes.
USC’s Solomon Bates pitched seven innings, allowing two runs on four hits while walking four and striking out four. Brian Gursky pitched the final two innings.
Arizona’s loss snapped a four-game winning streak.
