Baker’s injury further depletes offensive line

USC’s 20-13 victory over Arizona on Saturday came with a big cost as the Trojans lost two more offensive linemen and possibly a linebacker and safety because of injuries.

All-American tackle Sam Baker left the game because of a hamstring strain and freshman guard Zack Heberer suffered a shoulder bruise.

Middle linebacker Rey Maualuga suffered a hip injury and safety Kevin Ellison might have a broken nose, according to a USC spokesman.

“We’ve never been like this before,” Coach Pete Carroll said of the injury wave along the offensive line.

Redshirt freshman Butch Lewis stepped in for Baker and senior Alatini Malu filled in for Heberer.

The Trojans entered the game without starting guard Chilo Rachal (knee), center Kris O’Dowd (knee) and backup tackle Charles Brown (ankle), among others.

“Whoever thought I would be one of the last O-linemen standing?” asked oft-injured fifth-year senior Drew Radovich, who played the entire game at right tackle.

Offensive line coach Pat Ruel said he was not sure if Baker would be able to play next week at Notre Dame.

He is hoping that Rachal might be able to return and help a line he said was down to one reserve, converted defensive lineman Alex Parsons.

“There’s a chance in a week or two I could get real healthy,” Ruel said of his position group. “We’re going to need to be real healthy to start the second half.”

Maualuga was hurt in the second quarter while preventing running back Chris Jennings from scoring. Maualuga was helped from the field, but he returned at the start of the third quarter and participated in one play.

“It felt like I tore something out of there,” said Maualuga, pointing to his right side.

Maualuga said he doubted that he would be able to play against Notre Dame.

Luthur Brown filled in for Maualuga and made six tackles. Thomas Williams, who started at strong-side linebacker, also played in the middle and finished with six tackles, including one for a loss. He also broke up a pass.

Carroll said the locker room was emotional at halftime after Arizona erased a 10-0 lead and tied the score before the break.

The Trojans held the Wildcats to 100 yards in the second half.

“The defense played great and adjusted real well and got things fixed up and [Arizona] couldn’t do anything anymore,” Carroll said.

Ellison had a team-best nine tackles and forced a fumble.

Quarterback Mark Sanchez said his roommate, fullback Stanley Havili, was the motivating force on USC’s final drive, which started at the Trojans’ one-yard line and ended with a field goal for a 20-13 lead.

“He looked every O-lineman in the eyes and he said, ‘We’re willing this thing to win. We’re willing it to happen. I won’t take a loss. It made me sick last week. I was sick to my stomach.’ And he meant it,” Sanchez said. “He was talking from the heart. Just awesome leadership from a freshman.

“That’s what gave us life for that last drive. That’s what we needed. It was a big-time statement from him, and the O-line and the receivers and everyone responded.”

USC scored its lowest point total -- 20 -- at the Coliseum since defeating Oregon State, 16-13, on Nov. 3, 2001. . . . Arizona linebacker Spencer Larsen made 17 tackles, including 4 1/2 for losses. . . . USC tight end Fred Davis caught a team-best six passes for 63 yards and a touchdown. . . . Tailback Stafon Johnson (foot) was not in uniform, but he hopes to practice this week. . . . Tailback C.J. Gable, who recently had abdominal surgery, attended the game.

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gary.klein@latimes.com