Dixie State could not overcome a hot USC start as the Trailblazers dropped the first game of a three-game weekend series with the Trojans by a 14-1 count on Friday night at Dedeaux Field.

The Trojans (13-11) ambushed DSU for seven first innings runs on eight hits, with the big blows coming on a three-run Ben Ramirez home run, which was followed by a Clay Owens solo shot, as USC sent 11 batters to the plate in the opening frame. 

DSU (9-18) had its chances in the early going as the Blazers had baserunners in each of its first two frames, including runners on the corners with one out in the second, but could not capitalize.

USC southpaw Isaac Esqueda (W, 4-1) put the clamps down on Dixie State from there, retiring 13-straight Trailblazers at one point, while limiting DSU to just three total hits over six shutout innings to earn the victory.

Dixie State avoided the shutout in the seventh when Ben Petty-Hull singled home Tanner Harper, who reached on a walk to lead off the stanza. DSU finished with five hits on the night, all singles.

The two teams will continue their weekend series with game two on Saturday afternoon at 2 p.m. (PT).