USC’s bullpen takes ace off hook during big comeback win at Super Regional

The relievers’ lockdown effort allowed the Trojans’ offense to awaken with eight consecutive runs, including Dean Carpentier’s grand slam as part of a decisive five-run sixth inning.

“It was just come in, get ahead [in the count], bridge the gap and wait for our offense to do what it’s been doing this whole postseason,” Herrell said of the relievers’ mindset after Edwards had uncharacteristically struggled with his control.

The bullpen bailout was necessary after Edwards kept wobbling at the start of every inning.

Bases loaded with nobody out.

Runners on first and second with nobody out.

A leadoff walk followed by a run-scoring double.

After escaping the bases-loaded jam in the first inning, Edwards did not fare as well under similar pressure, allowing two runs in the second inning and two more in the third.

The left-hander departed after giving up four hits and four runs while striking out five and walking four. He threw only 44 of his 77 pitches for strikes after twice issuing leadoff walks.

“He made some big pitches to get out of some jams, but he wasn’t as sharp as we’ve seen him in the past,” Stankiewicz said on the ESPN2 broadcast. “His fastball was missing way up, his breaking ball wasn’t as good as it typically is, so just felt like it was time to make a move.”

It was the smartest one he made all day.