With a five-game winning streak built this past week, USC Baseball (12-3) has returned to the USA Today/ESPN Coaches' Poll at the #21 spot. The Trojans had reached #23 earlier in the season following their 7-0 start, their best start since 1988. However, after losing three straight to Pepperdine and North Carolina, SC dropped out of the rankings the following week.

Since then, USC has used its remaining non-conference schedule to build momentum. The streak began with the rubber match against North Carolina on March 4, when the Trojans finally won one over the Tar Heels by a score of 5-2. Back at Dedeaux Field, USC preserved their undefeated home record with a win over Cal St. Fullerton, followed by a three-game sweep of Cal St. Bakersfield this past weekend. The sweep included a ninth-inning comeback on Saturday night thanks to a walk-off RBI single by junior shortstop Adam Landecker that gave USC a 9-8 victory. The following day, USC notched a 6-0 shutout thanks in large part to their freshman starting pitcher, Stephen Tarpley. Tarpley was lights out, going for eight innings with ten strikeouts and 6 hits allowed.

Tomorrow, USC will begin Pac-12 play with the 3rd annual Dodgertown Classic vs. #12 UCLA. If you want to go watch the game at Dodger Stadium, tickets are still available through the Dodgers website for $7, and will be sold for $12 at the event.