Dedeaux Download: Hitting coach Travis Jewett, 1B Adrian Lopez talk UCLA series win

The Dedeaux Download Podcast returns with Shotgun Spratling and podcast co-host Kasey Kazliner breaking down USC baseball's big rivalry series win over then-No. 14 UCLA that helped push the Trojans into the top 25 rankings for the first time since 2023. Shotgun and Kasey take a look at all the action, pointing out the positives of the Trojans improving to 32-16 with a 16-8 mark in Big Ten play and a third-place spot in the standings behind only Iowa and the Bruins. They discuss the power of names that start with the letter 'A' as well as the Trojans' ability to bounce back from a heartbreaking loss in the series opener to still be able to get the series win. Shotgun and Kasey also look at how USC boosted its resume behind strong production of a pair of Lopezes. The podcasters also discuss three negatives, including a growing trend for Caden Hunter and a tough outing for top reliever Brodie Burcell. USC hitting coach Travis Jewett then joins the show to talk about how the Trojans' offense was able to bounce back after failing to capitalize on opportunities in the series opener against UCLA, ending the game with the bases loaded in a one-run loss. He also discusses how the USC lineup has got longer and stronger as the season has progressed with the development of players like Andrew Lamb, Jack Basseer, Adrian and Augie Lopez. Jewett even talks about the art of helping hitters break out of slumps. After a break, Adrian Lopez joins the show to talk about his transfer portal journey that has taken him to two high schools and two colleges over the last four seasons and how he's found a home at USC, a place he didn't grow up rooting for but his whole family did. Lopez discusses his connection with Jewett and how the two have worked together this season. Lopez also shares his favorite between-inning festivity that takes place during games and talks about the connection of players, including ones on hated teams and those in the USC locker room. Shotgun and Kasey close out the show taking a look at where the Trojans stand after winning another Big Ten series, improving their RPI briefly up to No. 29 (now No. 31). The podcast then previews USC's upcoming week of action with the Trojans taking on Big Ten Pitcher of the Year candidate Joseph Dzierwa and Michigan State at Great Park this 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.