IRVINE, Calif. — A standout performance from starting pitcher
Clark Candiotti and another offensive onslaught fueled the Arizona Wildcats (7-6, 2-0) 9-6 victory over the USC Trojans (3-11, 0-2) on Saturday night at Great Park.
Candiotti (1-0) picked up his first win of the season with 6.2 innings of three-run work. The veteran right-hander allowed just five hits and struck out a season-high nine.
The Cats offense jumped out to a first-inning lead for the second time in as many games, this time on a solo home run from shortstop
Mason White. Ultimately, Arizona pounded out 13 hits, five of which went for extra bases, and drew three walks to produce nine runs.
First baseman
Tommy Splaine hit his second home run of the series in the sixth inning, a two-run blast that nearly reached the adjacent field.
USC plated one run in both the eighth and ninth, but the rally was not enough to overcome the Arizona advantage.
Arizona WildBATS
- DH Maddox Mihalakis: 3-for-5, R, 2B, 2 RBI
- SS Mason White: 2-for-5, R, HR, 2 RBI
- 1B Tommy Splaine: 2-for-5, 2 R, HR, 2 RBI
- 2B Garen Caulfield: 1-for-4, R, 2B, RBI, BB
- LF Easton Breyfogle: 3-for-5, 2 R
Bullpen Bullies
Number of the Night
- Arizona's pitching staff struck out 11 Trojan batters, giving them double-digit strikeouts in back-to-back games for the first time this year.
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Next Up
Arizona goes for the series sweep over USC on Sunday afternoon at Great Park. First pitch is set for 1:00 p.m. MST.
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