USC's stellar season ends after 2nd loss to Oregon State in NCAA baseball tournament

It was an incredible year for USC baseball in 2025. At one point, the Trojans were the hottest team in all of college baseball. They then found a way to make it into the NCAA baseball tournament and won a game in the Corvallis Regional.

It is unknown what could have happened if Brayden Dowd had found a way to sneak his way past the Oregon State catcher on a play that did not allow him to participate in Monday's matchup. There were a number of plays that went the Beavers' way during the NCAA tournament against the Trojans.

Even so, giving credit where it is due, Oregon State made plays both ways to not only grab the early lead but then push the game out of hand. Their pitching and batting were excellent in June. USC ran into a good team and experienced firsthand what a high-level team can perform like during postseason play.

That should not wipe away how this coach Andy Stankiewicz ball club has performed throughout the regular season and put themselves in a position through their Big Ten tournament win to earn a national berth again after a decade-long absence.

This is a team that will be able to return a lot of pieces next year. Although the pitching staff will need to see notable student-athletes step up as ace Caden Aoki closed out his Trojan career on Monday.

Looking ahead for the USC baseball program

There will be a lot of familiar faces next year when USC opens Dedeaux Field in 2026. It may not have been the way Trojan fans wanted to watch the season end with a 14-1 and 9-0 shutout loss to Oregon State.

For now, USC has to give a tip of the cap to the Beavers. In an important upcoming offseason, the Trojans are unquestionably heading in the right direction under coach Stankiewicz.