USC's postseason momentum screeched to halt Sunday in the finals of the NCAA Corvallis (Oregon) Regional, but the Trojans get another chance to extend their season Monday afternoon.
USC, the No. 3-seed in the four-team double-elimination bracket, was the only undefeated team left of the group entering play Sunday vs. No. 1-seeded host Oregon State, meaning the Trojans needed just one win to advance to the NCAA super regionals while the Beavers would need two.
Well, Oregon State -- the No. 8-ranked team in the country -- left no doubt on the scoreboard Sunday, beating USC 14-1 to force the winner-take-all finale Monday at 3 p.m PT on ESPNU.
The Beavers (44-13-1) took a 4-0 lead in the top of the second inning and never looked back.
USC (37-22), which is vying for its first NCAA super regionals appearance in 20 years, got its lone run in the bottom of the second on a Maximo Martinez RBI single.
The Trojans managed 12 hits -- Jack Besseer went 3-for-4 and scored the lone run, and Richard Tejeda, Ethan Hedges and Kade Higgins had 2 hits each -- but couldn't capitalize on those opportunities.
Andrew Johnson took the loss for USC, allowing 6 runs on 7 hits in 2 innings before getting removed in the third inning after giving up a homer and back-to-back doubles to start the frame.
Trent Caraway led Oregon State, going 3-for-4 with a homer, 4 RBIs and 3 runs scored, Tyce Peterson was 4-for-4 with 2 RBIs and a run, Gavin Turley was 2-for-3 with a homer, 2 RBIs and 3 runs and AJ Singer was 2-for-4 with 2 RBIs.
Wyatt Queen went 4 1/3 innings, giving up 8 hits, a walk and just the 1 run for the win.