USC Baseball Matches Best Start in Program History

Trojans improve to 15-0 with weekend sweep of Illinois

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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The USC baseball team has matched the best start in program history, improving to 15-0 on the season after sweeping a three-game series against Illinois. This ties the 1988 Trojans squad, which also opened the year with 15 consecutive victories.

Why it matters

USC baseball has a storied history, producing numerous MLB stars over the decades. Matching the best start in program history is a significant milestone that showcases the current team's talent and potential for a deep postseason run.

The details

The Trojans posted 4-0 shutout victories on both Friday and Saturday before coming back to win 5-3 on Sunday. USC will have the opportunity to break the record on Tuesday night when Long Beach State visits Dedeaux Field. The Trojans will then host San Diego on Wednesday and travel to Northwestern for a three-game Big Ten series.

  • The Trojans entered the weekend 12-0 as Illinois traveled to Dedeaux Field for the first Big Ten series of the season.
  • USC is now 15-0 on the season, tying the 1988 team for the best start in program history.
  • The Trojans will have the opportunity to break the record on Tuesday night when Long Beach State visits Dedeaux Field.

The players

Rodney Peete

Former USC All-American quarterback who also played baseball for the Trojans in 1988, the last time the team opened 15-0.

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What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.