After finding themselves down 3-2 going into the bottom of the fourth inning, the Wildcats lit up offensively, scoring eight runs in the fourth, three in the sixth, and another five in the seventh, as Arizona defeated USC, 18-4, in Saturday night’s match at Hi Corbett Field.
Arizona recorded 20 hits and tied a season-high record for runs scored with 18.
Sophomore Riley Moore extended his streak of reaching base safely to 26 games as the catcher hit an RBI double and walked in Saturday night’s contest.
“For the most part, we did what we were supposed to do and played good baseball,” head coach Andy Lopez said.
“We came back, scored some runs and executed, and got some momentum going again.”
Sophomore Joseph Maggi and freshman Kevin Newman led the Cats’ offensive onslaught and between the two of them, combined for 7 hits, 7 RBI, and 5 runs scored.
“I felt really good tonight,” Maggi said. “I took it upon myself to spark up the bottom of the lineup. I tried to keep everything balanced and get the game back to Field and Dixon. [Tonight], I felt like I was really playing again instead of thinking.”
Maggi led the team, going 4-4, including his first triple of the season to accompany three singles. On the night, he scored two runs, had an RBI, and was walked, reaching base five times.
Newman continued to show offensive talent and came up clutch, compiling three hits, three runs, and a career-high six RBI.
Newman’s six RBI was the most in a game by a UA player since Field hit seven during last year’s Tucson Regional.
“It felt great,” Newman said. “The guys in front of me put me in RBI situations and I just executed. I’m thankful that they gave me such huge opportunities.”
Nine Wildcats recorded hits and RBI on the night and six players enjoyed multi-hit games. Arizona was 12 for 19 with runners in scoring position.
Center fielder Johnny Field and pinch hitter Scott Kingery compiled two hits apiece and combined for four RBI and 3 runs. Juniors Trent Gilbert and Brandon Dixon each had three hits and an RBI.
Pitcher James Farris supplied a strong outing and showed improved control on the mound. The junior allowed four runs on seven hits while walking and striking out one in a complete game effort. Farris improved to 5-5 on the year and possesses a 4.18 ERA with 43 strikeouts in 71 innings pitched.
“We got a real clean start out of James Farris,” Lopez said. “He was able to throw strikes, and that is exactly what we needed. In this park, you get rewarded for throwing strikes, and you get punished when you don’t.”
The Wildcats look to sweep Southern California and take all three against the Trojans Sunday at noon.
