LOS ANGELES (Interstat) — The Southern California Trojans, behind another dominant pitching performance from Grant Govel and a pair of unearned runs, blanked the Illinois Fighting Illini 4-0 on Saturday at Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena to remain undefeated.

The victory, organized by the Big 10, pushed the top-ranked Trojans to a perfect 14-0 this season, while Illinois fell to 7-6.

The most important part of the game unfolded in the very first inning, setting a tone the Fighting Illini could never overcome. Illinois threatened immediately against Govel, loading the bases with no outs on singles by N. Groves and M. Farina. Govel escaped unscathed, inducing a flyout and a inning-ending double play. The Trojans then capitalized in the bottom half against Illinois starter Regan Hall. After two singles and a hit batter loaded the bases, catcher Isaac Cadena delivered a two-run single up the middle, scoring M. Martinez and Ad. Lopez for a 2-0 lead. Those were the only earned runs Hall would allow over six strong innings, but they proved sufficient.

Govel, the clear star for Southern California, masterfully worked around traffic all afternoon. The Fighting Illini collected six hits off him but went 0 for 5 with runners in scoring position and hit into two double plays. Govel pitched seven scoreless innings, striking out two and walking one. His performance followed a seven-inning, one-hit outing against Cal Poly on Feb. 28.

Illinois had opportunities, putting two runners on with one out in the third inning, but Govel again shut the door. Michael Farina was a bright spot for the Illini, going 2 for 4.

The Trojans provided crucial insurance in the sixth inning, capitalizing on an Illinois error. With two outs and runners on second and third, Dean Carpentier’s fly ball to right field was misplayed, allowing both Ad. Lopez and Kevin Takeuchi to score. Both runs were unearned, extending the lead to 4-0.

Southern California’s bullpen sealed the shutout. Reliever Sax Matson was overpowering in the final two innings, striking out four of the six batters he faced, including the side in the ninth.

Takeuchi finished 2 for 4 with a triple for the Trojans, who managed seven hits total.

The result defied the pregame projection from Interstat, whose simulator had forecast a high-scoring 7-6 Trojans win. Their ELO system gave Southern California a 61.2% chance of victory.

The win marked the second straight 4-0 shutout for the Trojans over the Fighting Illini, following Friday’s identical score. The teams conclude their three-game series on Sunday.

Illinois returns home next week to face Western Illinois before opening Big 10 conference play against Minnesota. Southern California hosts Long Beach State on Tuesday before a road series at Northwestern.