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USC Baseball Stays Perfect, Coach Stankiewicz Urges Continued Focus
The Trojans match the best start in program history but the head coach says the team has 'a long way to go'.
Published on Mar. 9, 2026
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The No. 20 USC Trojans defeated the Illinois Fighting Illini 5-3 on Sunday to improve to 15-0, matching the best start in program history. Despite the historic milestone, head coach Andy Stankiewicz emphasized that the team has 'a long way to go' and must remain focused on consistency as they continue their undefeated run.
Why it matters
USC's perfect start is one of the most impressive early-season runs in the country, with the Trojans and the Texas Longhorns being the only undefeated Division I teams left. The team's strong pitching and timely hitting have fueled this historic stretch, but Stankiewicz is determined to keep his players grounded and focused on the long-term goals.
The details
After falling behind 2-0 in the first inning, the Trojans rallied with a solo home run from senior outfielder Jack Basseer in the second. USC then took the lead for good in the fourth inning on a two-run single by Dean Carpentier. The Trojans' bullpen was once again dominant, with three relievers combining for 1.2 hitless innings and two strikeouts to preserve the victory.
- USC defeated Illinois 5-3 on Sunday, March 9, 2026.
- The Trojans improved to 15-0, matching the best start in program history set by the 1988 team.
The players
Andy Stankiewicz
The head coach of the USC baseball team, who emphasized the need for the Trojans to remain focused and consistent despite their historic start.
Jack Basseer
A senior outfielder for the USC Trojans, who hit a solo home run to spark the team's comeback in the second inning.
Dean Carpentier
A Trojans player who delivered a key two-run single in the fourth inning to give USC the lead for good.
What they’re saying
“We got a long way to go. Obviously we're excited and it's a great start. But you guys gotta keep in mind we got a long way to go, right? So take it, enjoy it, get off tomorrow and get back to work on Tuesday.”
— Andy Stankiewicz, Head Coach (SI.com)
“He's got some bat speed. He's a strong young man. Right now he's probably our most consistent power threat.”
— Andy Stankiewicz, Head Coach (SI.com)
What’s next
The Trojans will hit the mound again at Dedeaux Field on Tuesday to take on Long Beach State as they look to continue their undefeated start to the season.
The takeaway
Despite matching a historic milestone, USC head coach Andy Stankiewicz is determined to keep his players focused on consistency and long-term goals rather than celebrating their early-season success. The Trojans' formula of strong pitching and timely hitting has fueled their undefeated run, but Stankiewicz knows there is still a 'long way to go' in the season.
