Dedeaux Download: From JUCO to HR #1 in D1, USC's Richard Tejeda talks baseball journey

The Dedeaux Download Podcast returns with Shotgun Spratling and podcast co-host Kasey Kazliner breaking down USC baseball's 3-0 weekend in Minneapolis where the Trojans swept Minnesota with two dominant efforts to open the weekend and a ninth-inning come-from-behind effort in the series finale. Shotgun and Kasey take a look at all the action, pointing out the positives of the Trojans improving to 29-14 with 14-7 mark in Big Ten play and a third-place spot in the standings behind only UCLA and Iowa. They discuss the outstanding pitching outings of Andrew Johnson, Caden Aoki and Brodie Purcell as well as the offensive prowess of the Trojans' catchers. Shotgun and Kasey also look at how USC has been getting contributions from up and down the roster. The podcasters also try to find three negatives from the impressive weekend. They land on one conclusive one and stretch to find two others. After a break, USC junior college transfer Richard Tejeda joins the show to talk about his baseball journey going from the junior college ranks to being the primary backstop for a Big Ten-contending Trojan squad, including how he dealt with a big slump to start his Division I career and what adjustments he's made to be hitting .417 over his last nine games. Tejeda also discusses his connection with the pitching staff and starters Caden Hunter and Caden Aoki and what it was like catching Aoki as he came close to throwing a no-hitter Saturday. Shotgun and Kasey close out the show taking a look at where the Trojans stand after winning another Big Ten series, improving their RPI to No. 38. The podcast then previews USC's upcoming week of action with the Trojans taking on CSUN in midweek action before a huge rivalry series against UCLA down at Great Park next weekend. Please review, rate and subscribe to the Peristyle Podcast on ⁠Apple Podcasts⁠! Make sure you check out ⁠USCFootball.com⁠ for complete coverage of USC Trojans football, basketball, baseball and recruiting.