COLLEGE WORLD SERIES : Tucker, Trojans Top Miami

USC senior right-hander Ben Tucker erased memories of his series-opening performance by pitching seven strong innings in the Trojans’ 7-5 victory over Miami Wednesday.

Tucker (7-2) gave up five runs, seven hits and struck out four as USC won its third consecutive game. The sixth-seeded Trojans (48-20) will play third-seeded Miami (48-16) again Friday for the right to advance to Saturday’s championship game.

“That was a lot more fun than the other night,” said Tucker, who last Friday gave up five runs and four hits before he was removed without retiring a batter. “It was kind of a blessing to be facing [Miami] again after embarrassing myself like that.”

For the first time in the series, the Trojan bullpen did not embarrass itself. Freshman right-hander Jack Krawczyk retired six in a row for his second save.

USC’s hitters got 11 hits against three pitchers. Greg Walbridge had two hits, including a two-run double in the second inning against starter Jason Adge (12-6). Ernie Diaz singled in a run in the second, drove in another with a groundout to short in the fourth and hit his eighth homer in the sixth. Moeller had two hits and scored three runs.

Trojan All-American Geoff Jenkins hit a solo homer in the third inning, his third home run in the series and 22nd of the season.

“He continues to provide us with an immense spark,” USC Coach Mike Gillespie said of Jenkins, who is six for 12 with six RBIs in the Series.