USC Baseball Continues Homestand Against Rice

Friday, February 20

Los Angeles, Calif.

6:00 p.m. PT

USC

Rice

Adrian Lopez Batting against Pepperdine Waves

Photo by: Bryce Dechert

USC Baseball Continues Homestand Against Rice

February 19, 2026 | Baseball

Game Notes (PDF)Promotions

THIS WEEK: The USC baseball team continues its season opening homestand, hosting Rice for a three-game set starting on Friday. The Trojans look to improve on their 4-0 record after a opening weekend sweep of Pepperdine and win over LMU.

GAME SCHEDULE:
Friday - USC vs. Rice (Dedeaux Field), Feb 20, 6:00 p.m. PT (B1G+)
Saturday - USC vs. Rice (Dedeaux Field), Feb 21, 6:00 p.m. PT (B1G+)
Sunday - USC vs. Rice (Dedeaux Field), Feb 22, 12:00 p.m. PT (B1G+)

BROADCAST INFO: All three games against the Owls will be broadcast on B1G+. Links to the broadcasts are available on the baseball schedule page at USCTrojans.com.

FOLLOW: Fans can also follow the action through live stats on USCTrojans.com. Live, in-game updates will be available for all games from @USC_Baseball on X as well.

GET SOCIAL: Follow USC Baseball on social media to get updates on everything going on with the team this season. The Trojans can be followed at @USC_Baseball on X, at @sctrojans_baseball on Instagram and USC Trojans Baseball on Facebook.

PROMOTIONS: The first 500 fans at Friday night's opener will receive a free USC Baseball Luggage tag. The USC baseball team will also be signing autographs following Sunday's series finale.

ALL-TIME SERIES VS RICE: USC is 1-5 all-time against Rice. The teams last played in 2025, splitting a pair of games in Houston. The second game of the 2025 series was rained out.

OPENING WEEKEND SWEEP: The Trojans opened the 2026 season with a sweep of Pepperdine, taking down the Waves 3-1 on opening night and then breaking out the bats for 11-0 and 8-5 victories. USC's starting pitchers were masterful, combining for 16.0 scoreless innings with 3 hits allowed, 3 walks and 24 strikeouts. The Trojans picked up a run-rule no-hitter on Saturday, getting 6.0 hitless innings from Grant Govel and 1.0 hitless inning from Cameron Fausset, while Andrew Lamb hit a walkoff homer in the bottom of the seventh to give the Trojans an 11-0 lead and invoke the run rule (10 run lead after 7 innings). Adam Troy also had two saves against his former team, saving the opener and finale. Mason Edwards tossed 5.0 scoreless on Friday and Andrew Johnson threw 5.0 scoreless on Sunday. Kevin Takeuchi led the way offensively, going 5-for-10 (.500) at the plate, with 6 RBI.

WEDNESDAY WIN VS LMU: USC picked up its second run-rule victory of the season on Wednesday, taking down LMU 14-4 in seven innings. All nine starters drove in runs in the game as USC scored four runs in the fifth to break a 4-4 tie and then put up five runs in the sixth.

GOVEL POTW: Grant Govel earned both National and Big Ten Pitcher of the Week honors after leading USC to a 7 inning no-hitter on Saturday against Pepperdine. Govel struck out a career high 10 batters in his 6.0 hitless innings, retiring 11 in a row at one point and striking out five in a row as well. He only allowed 2 baserunners (BB, HBP) in the 11-0 victory that ended due to the run rule in the bottom of the 7th. It was the first Pitcher of the Week honor for Govel, who also earned Big Ten Freshman of the Week honors last season.

2026 HOME GAMES: After two seasons playing the majority of its home games at Great Park in Irvine, USC returns home to the new Dedeaux Field. The project, which features a brand new stadium, clubhouse, training facility and offices for the program, is still ongoing and will be completed after the conclusion of the 2026 season. Despite certain elements of the stadium still being under construction, USC will welcome fans into Dedeaux Field this season, with all home games being free and open to the public. Temporary concessions and restrooms will be available all season long. Seating will be first come first serve. For more information visit USCTrojans.com/baseballgameday.