GAME RECAP: #14 USC Blasts Three Homers in Fourth Inning Explosion, Tops Hawkeyes 6-3 to Clinch Series Victory and Eye Sweep Sunday Afternoon

LOS ANGELES, CA – The No. 14 USC Trojans (29-7, 12-5 Big Ten) turned Dedeaux Field into a launching pad Saturday afternoon, April 11, 2026, smashing three home runs in the fourth inning alone on their way to a 6-3 victory over the Iowa Hawkeyes (18-14, 5-9). The power surge propelled the Trojans to their second straight win in the series, clinching the series victory and setting up a chance at the sweep on Sunday afternoon.

Grant Govel (7-0) delivered another gem on the mound, firing five strong innings while striking out eight and allowing just three runs (two earned). Adam Troy came on to slam the door with a perfect four-out save, preserving the win and keeping USC’s bullpen rolling.

Offensively, the Trojans racked up eight hits and capitalized on Iowa’s lone error. But the story of the day was that explosive fourth inning when USC sent three balls sailing over the right-field wall to blow the game open.

Takeuchi paced the lineup with two runs scored and two hits. Lamb and Cadena each drove in a run via their homers (Cadena with two), while Lopez added his solo blast. Carpentier chipped in two RBIs on the day.

Iowa got a two-run homer from Gable Mitchell in the fifth to cut the deficit to 5-3, but that was as close as they would get. The Hawkeyes finished with six hits but left nine runners on base and struck out 13 times.

With the series now firmly in hand at 2-0, the Trojans turn their focus to tomorrow’s 1:00 p.m. PT finale at Dedeaux Field. A victory would complete USC’s first series sweep of a Big Ten opponent this season and keep the momentum surging.

Up Next: #14 USC vs. Iowa – Sunday, April 12 • 1:00 p.m. PT • Dedeaux Field • Live on BTN+