USC Ace Breaks Big Ten Single-Season Strikeout Record

USC ace Mason Edwards set a new Big Ten single-season record with 101 strikeouts in nine conference games on Friday. He has put up double-digit strikeouts in eight of those nine games, recording 13 to defeat Rutgers 5-1 in the series opener on Friday.

“Obviously, that’s cool,” Edwards said, per Ben Bolch of the California Post, “but the more important thing is having a good season and winning with the team.”

The junior southpaw has posted a 1.74 ERA and 132 strikeouts across 72.1 innings so far this season. Edwards, who attended Palisades Charter High School, has been part of USC’s program for all three seasons of his collegiate career.

“The young man has worked his tail off to make himself into a front-line guy,” USC coach Andy Stankiewicz said, per Bolch, “so we’re excited about the way he’s developed.”

May 31, 2025; Corvallis, OR, USA; USC pitcher Mason Edwards (30) throws the ball during the fourth inning against Saint Mary’s at the NCAA Corvallis Regional at Goss Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images

Edwards gave up just one run and two walks during his seven-inning outing against Rutgers on Friday. He was on track to pull off a no-hitter until Rutgers sophomore outfielder Jack Sweeney hit a single past USC shortstop Maddox Riske in the sixth inning.

Then, freshman infielder Gabriel Rivera hit a double off Edwards in the sixth to score the Scarlet Knights’ only run of the game. Edwards gave up just one more hit against junior outfielder Chase Krewson in the seventh inning.

Edwards’ performance added a 35th win to No. 21 USC’s 35-12 overall record and a 17th win to the Trojans’ 17-8 conference record. USC has two more games remaining in the series against Rutgers this weekend.

Photo Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images

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