Despite substituting pitchers early and often, the Fresno State baseball team took care of business behind its most productive offensive output of the season.

The Bulldogs (11-11) built a large lead early and fended off a comeback attempt in Tuesday’s 14-7 win over USC at Dedeaux Field in Los Angeles.

The Trojans got on the board first with an RBI single from senior infielder Dante Flores to bring in catcher Garrett Stubbs for the 1-0 lead.

After a scoreless second inning by both teams, the ‘Dogs broke things open in the top of the third. Freshman infielder McCarthy Tatum led off the inning with a single to right. Sophomore outfielder Austin Guibor walked. Follwing one out and a full count, freshman Kenny Corey connected on a shallow single to right to load the bases. Fresno State catcher Taylor Ward’s single to left brought Tatum home and tied the game at one apiece.

Senior Manny Argomaniz would then give the ‘Dogs the 2-1 lead with a single hit to left field, bringing in Guibor. After clinching the lead, the Bulldogs loaded the bases once again and Kevin Viers cleared the bases with double to left center to put Fresno State up 5-1.

In the bottom of the inning, Stubbs scored again for the Trojans behind a double by sophomore Jeremy Martinez that hit the center field wall to cut the ‘Dogs lead to three.

The momentum followed the ‘Dogs into the ensuing inning, where they increased their lead to 8-2. With runners on first and second, catcher Taylor Ward’s home run to left field, his sixth of the year.

The Trojans would show that they were not done as AJ Ramirez hit a two-run home run to right center field to cut the Bulldogs’ lead to 8-4.

In the top of the sixth Ward would hit an RBI double on an 0-2 count, bringing in Taylor Tempel for the 9-4 lead and moments later Aaron Arruda brought Ward home with single to put the ‘Dogs up 10-4.

The Trojans would manage two runs combined in the sixth and seventh to cut the Fresno State advantage to three.

But the Bulldogs pull away with a four-run eighth inning to establish a commanding 14-7 lead late in the

The ‘Dogs will host San Jose State this weekend for a three-game slate beginning Friday at 6:35 p.m.