LOS ANGELES — Cal scored a pair of runs in the top of the ninth inning to complete a five-run comeback after the Golden Bears had fallen behind USC 4-0 Thursday evening at Dedeaux Field.
Cal’s 5-4 win came at the expense of Wyatt Strahan, who allowed his first two runs of the season. Mitch Delfino singled home Vince Bruno and Tony Renda doubled down the third base line to score Delfino.
USC starter Stephen Tarpley (pictured) had a no hitter through 4 2/3, but things unraveled in the sixth inning. A catcher’s interference, single and three walks scored Cal’s first two runs and ended Tarpley’s outing.
After the game, we chatted with Cal pitching coach Mike Neu and USC head coach Frank Cruz.
Neu talked about the Joey Donofrio striking out the side in the ninth inning to pick up his first save of the season. He also discussed Justin Jones transition to the backend of the weekend rotation this week and the performance of Michael Theofanopoulas keeping Cal in the game:
Cruz was obviously disappointed that his team had surrendered a four-run lead. He placed a lot of the blame on himself for having his defense out of position and for not removing Tarpley sooner:
—
