Late Offense Propels Dirtbags Past USC

Tuesday, April 24

Los Angeles, Calif.

6:00 PM

Long Beach State University

17-24

USC

18-19

Long Beach State

USC

4/24/2018 12:00:00 AM | Baseball

Box Score

April 24, 2018

Box Score

LOS ANGELES - A resilient Dirtbags offense flipped the script on its recent struggles on Tuesday night in LA, earning an 8-5 comeback win over USC (18-19) at Dedeaux Field. Long Beach State (17-24) scored six runs in the final two innings, turning a late 4-2 deficit into an 8-5 road victory, giving LBSU its third consecutive midweek win.

Freshman Leonard Jones was a tough out all night, scorching the ball for three hits, while also reaching on a walk. His RBI double in the ninth inning scored Jarren Duran to put the Dirtbags on top, kicking off a four-run rally in the ninth. Tristan Mercadel capped off that rally with a two-run single, bringing his RBI total to three on the night. Mercadel started the game on the bench, but came in to match his career high in RBIs.

Mercadel's RBI grounder tied the game, 4-4, in the eighth inning as Long Beach State scored a pair of runs. The inning started with back-to-back singles by Jacob Hughey and Brooks Stotler, and a throwing error on a sacrifice bunt allowed the first run to come home.

We're all tied up after this RBI groundout from Tristan Mercadel! Whole new ballgame in LA. #GoBeach
Mid 8: Dirtbags 4, USC 4 pic.twitter.com/mYgJKErDWP
— LBSU Dirtbags (@LBDirtbags) April 25, 2018

The Dirtbags take the lead! After Duran hits an infield single & steals second, LJ smokes this double to left to put Long Beach on top in the 9th. Third hit of the night for @LJones_20! #GoBeach
Top 9: Dirtbags 5, USC 4 pic.twitter.com/Ka6ysVGMFP
— LBSU Dirtbags (@LBDirtbags) April 25, 2018

Hear from freshman Leonard Jones, who had three hits tonight including the go-ahead RBI double in the 9th inning! #GoBeach @LJones_20 pic.twitter.com/BzSbpHhYWp
— LBSU Dirtbags (@LBDirtbags) April 25, 2018

Clayton Andrews added a pair of hits at the top of the lineup and Stotler was 2-for-4 with a pair of runs scored. Shaq Robinson scored twice as well, working two walks on the evening.

Serving as the starting pitcher, Hughey was solid through three innings on the mound, but was lifted with an apparent injury after loading the bases in the bottom of the fourth. He did remain in the game as the designated hitter, however. Dylan Spacke worked the final three innings to pick up the win in relief, striking out five while allowing a run on two hits, all coming in the ninth inning.

LBSU also stole three bases during the four-run ninth, with Duran swiping the 40th base of his Dirtbags career. Stotler and Robinson also collected steals to get into scoring position in the inning.

The Dirtbags return home for a Big West series against UC Davis this weekend. Game one will be Friday night at 6 p.m. and it will be Harry Potter Night at Bohl Diamond at Blair Field. There will also be the customary Friday Night Fireworks show following the game.