TUCSON, Ariz.Sophomore right-hander Ben Diggins allowed just one earned run over eight innings to become the first Wildcat pitcher in 25 years to start a season with eight consecutive wins, helping Arizona to an 11-4 victory over No. 16 Southern California in Tucson Friday night.

The Cats evened their record at 18-18 and improved to 3-4 in Pac-10 play. USC fell to 20-10 and 3-1.

Diggins allowed three runs on nine hits while walking two and striking out seven. He gave up just one unearned run over his last seven innings of work. Diggins matched Steve Powers in 1975 as the last Arizona pitcher to start a season 8-0 and lowered his earned-run average to 2.48, 1.93 in home games. Sophomore righty Mark Prior (5-3) took the loss for the Trojans after giving up 10 runs on 13 hits in four-plus innings.

Senior designated hitter Rob Shabansky matched his career high of three hits, while juniors Ryan O'Donnell and Ernie Durazo each homered for the Cats. Sophomore second baseman Kelsey Osburn put the Cats ahead to stay with a bases loaded, two-out single in the second, the first two RBI of his career.

Sophomore outfielder Brian Barre led USC at the plate with a single, a double and two runs scored.

The two teams will meet again Saturday at 1 p.m. at Sancet Field.

#16 Southern California         200     001     001     -       4       10      0
Arizona                         033     311     00x     -       11      15      2
Prior, Bannister (5), Erikson (6), Todd (6), Clark (8) and Craig; Diggins,
Capek (9) and Meyer. W-Diggins (8-0). L-Prior (5-3). Hrs-UA: O'Donnell (2),
Durazo (6).