YOUNG GUNS -- USC baseball has adopted a philosophy used by the football program. The Trojans have brought in young talent and are willing to throw them into the starting lineup immediately.

This season, USC's starting staff comprises of three sophomores (Tommy Milone, Ryan Cook and Anthony Vasquez) and one freshman (Brad Boxberger). Another freshman, Kevin Couture, is one of the lead relievers out of the bullpen with two other freshmen in the mix (Robert Stock and Hector Rabago). Two sophomores Nick Buss and Anthony Vasquez have seen time in the outfield as well as a starting freshman shortstop (Grant Green).

EVERYONE GETS TO PLAY -- A total of 18 different position players have made at least one start this season. Chad Kreuter and his coaching staff have the flexibility to use different lineups against a left-handed or right-handed starter. On the mound, 14 Trojan pitchers have made at least one appearance in 2007.

NO CUPCAKE SCHEDULE -- According to the latest Boyd's World.com rankings, USC has the No. 2 toughest schedule in the nation behind Long Beach State.

CLOSE SHAVE -- In USC's 30 games so far this season, 16 of them have been decided by two runs or less. USC is 9-2 in one-run games and 2-3 in two-run game