USC Trojans' Pitching Duo Leading the Way For Historic Start

Mason Edwards and Grant Govel have been dominant on the mound for the Trojans this season.

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

The USC Trojans baseball team is off to a hot start this season, thanks in large part to their standout pitching duo of left-hander Mason Edwards and right-hander Grant Govel. Both players have been putting up impressive numbers, with Edwards posting a 0.00 ERA through his first four starts and Govel not far behind with a 0.35 ERA. The Trojans' pitching success can be attributed to the work of pitching coach Sean Allen, who has helped transform the two young hurlers into legitimate prospects.

Why it matters

The Trojans' dominant pitching has been the key to their early-season success, as they look to contend for the Big Ten Conference title. Edwards and Govel have emerged as two of the top pitchers in the country, and their continued performance will be crucial to USC's postseason aspirations.

The details

Mason Edwards has been nothing short of spectacular in his first four starts, allowing just three hits and no runs in 24 innings of work. He has a nearly 4:1 strikeout-to-walk ratio with 42 strikeouts and only 10 walks. Grant Govel has also been impressive, throwing at least six innings in each of his four starts and topping seven innings twice. He leads the team with 26 innings pitched and has allowed just two runs, one of which was earned.

  • Mason Edwards made his first start of the season on March 1, 2026.
  • Grant Govel has made four starts so far this season, beginning on February 25, 2026.

The players

Mason Edwards

A left-handed pitcher for the USC Trojans who has been dominant in his first four starts of the 2026 season, posting a 0.00 ERA.

Grant Govel

A right-handed pitcher for the USC Trojans who has also been impressive this season, with a 0.35 ERA through his first four starts.

Sean Allen

The pitching coach for the USC Trojans, who has helped transform Edwards and Govel into legitimate prospects and has also had a positive impact on the team's bullpen.

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What’s next

The Trojans will look to continue their strong start to the season as they aim to contend for the Big Ten Conference title. Their pitching duo of Edwards and Govel will be crucial to their success going forward.

The takeaway

The USC Trojans' dominant pitching, led by the standout performances of Mason Edwards and Grant Govel, has been the driving force behind their hot start to the 2026 season. The work of pitching coach Sean Allen has played a key role in the development of these two young talents, and their continued excellence will be vital to the Trojans' postseason aspirations.