Huskies Face Off Against No. 4 USC in Big Ten Tournament Showdown
OMAHA, Neb. — The Diamond Dawgs are set to conclude their thrilling journey in the Big Ten Tournament this Friday, as they take on the formidable No. 4 USC Trojans. The stakes are high, as the Huskies aim to notch their 30th victory of the season with a win against this powerhouse team.
Game Information and Coverage
The final pool play game will be broadcast live on the Big Ten Network, with the first pitch scheduled for 8 a.m. PT. Fans can also follow the live stats on Huskystats.com.
Exciting Highlights: Dawg Bites
- Senior outfielder AJ Guerrero hit his career milestone 42nd home run on Wednesday, further solidifying his record as the all-time leader in hits and tying for the most home runs in program history.
- Guerrero was pivotal in Washington’s last outing, driving in all three runs against Penn State.
- The Huskies have boasted a stellar 20-2 record when outhitting their opponents this season, although they faced a rare loss against Penn State in their latest game.
- Pitcher Max Banks showcased his endurance once again, throwing 6.0 innings in the previous game — his 10th start of this season to reach that benchmark.
- After winning two of three against USC last weekend, the Huskies earned the No. 5 seed in the Big Ten Tournament.
- Recognition for the squad came in the form of four postseason accolades: Isaac Yeager was named to the All-Big Ten First Team, while Max Banks and AJ Guerrero earned spots on the Second and Third Teams, respectively. Additionally, Malakhi Knight made the All-Defensive Team and received the Sportsmanship Award.
- The team’s defensive prowess has been impressive, with the Huskies recording 10 victories this season while allowing one run or fewer.
Numbers to Know
- 1: 2025 marks the beginning of Eddie Smith’s journey as the head coach at UW, having moved from Utah Valley after three successful seasons.
- 42: AJ Guerrero ties for the all-time record in career home runs at Washington with his impressive 42nd shot against Penn State.
- 5: The Huskies secured the fifth seed in the Big Ten Tournament after finishing the season with a 17-13 conference record.
- 50: Isaac Yeager continues to be an asset from the bullpen, earning seven saves this season, ranking him 50th nationally.
A New Era Begins: First Season Under Smith
Eddie Smith was appointed as the 25th head coach of the University of Washington baseball team on July 9, 2024. The Olympia native has already begun to build a strong foundation for success in Montlake.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for the Dawgs?
The Huskies will clash with No. 4 USC on Friday, May 23, aiming to leave a mark in this elite tournament.
Game Recap: Dropped Game One
Washington’s journey faced a setback in its opening pool play match against Penn State, where they succumbed to a 5-3 defeat. Nevertheless, AJ Guerrero shone bright, lifting two out of three runs for Washington. Banks continued his strong performance, pitching 6.0 innings, while reliever Josh Emanuels dazzled with two hitless innings and four strikeouts.
Despite their loss, the Huskies’ impressive 20-2 record when outhitting opponents speaks volumes about their potential when firing on all cylinders.
Going, Going, Guerrero!
AJ Guerrero’s incredible 42nd home run propelled him into a tie for first place in career home runs at Washington. He also recently became the all-time hit leader, showcasing his tremendous contributions to the team. His statistics are a testament to his significant role:
- Multi-Hit Games: 21
- Total Hits: 69
- Home Runs: 9
- RBIs: 38
Guerrero continues to etch his name in the program’s history books, highlighting the depth of talent within the team.
Class of the Conference
Washington’s prowess was further acknowledged with four players named to the All-Big Ten Teams. Key contributions came from Isaac Yeager (First Team), Max Banks (Second Team), AJ Guerrero (Third Team), and Malakhi Knight (All-Defensive Team and Sportsmanship Award).
The Dawgs’ Resounding Success
The Huskies celebrate their seventh Big Ten series win, having secured two out of three games against USC. The offensive firepower remained strong, with significant home runs from players including Malakhi Knight and Jackson Hotchkiss, proving that Washington is serious about contention.
Diverse Talent: Transfer Highlights
The Huskies have intelligently utilized the transfer portal to add depth to their roster. Players like Max Banks, a former Division III standout, have bolstered the pitching staff remarkably.
Defensive and Offensive Powerhouse
As the Diamond Dawgs prepare for their crucial match against USC, their solid defensive statistics, combined with robust batting averages and record-setting performances, illustrate a team that’s ready to compete at the highest level.
As fans look forward to Friday’s contest, the excitement is palpable. Will the Huskies rise to the occasion? Tune in to see if they can overcome the Trojans and push forward in the tournament!
