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HomeNews UpdateUSC basketball star JuJu Watkins throws a strike at Dodger Stadium – Winnipeg Free Press

USC basketball star JuJu Watkins throws a strike at Dodger Stadium – Winnipeg Free Press

June 23, 2024
USC basketball star JuJu Watkins throws a strike at Dodger Stadium – Winnipeg Free Press

LOS ANGELES (AP) — USC basketball star JuJu Watkins had a different ball in his hand at Dodger Stadium.

She threw the ceremonial first pitch on Saturday night before the Los Angeles Angels and Dodgers faced off in the Freeway Series.

“I’ve probably never been so nervous,” she said beforehand. “Basketball is easy, baseball is not.”

University of Southern California basketball player Juju Watkins gestures after throwing out the ceremonial first pitch before a baseball game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Los Angeles Angels, Saturday, June 22, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

University of Southern California basketball player Juju Watkins gestures after throwing out the ceremonial first pitch before a baseball game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Los Angeles Angels, Saturday, June 22, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Watkins had said she would throw left-handed because of a sprained right index finger, but she warmed up with her right hand and stuck with her dominant hand to throw a strike to Dodgers pitcher Gavin Stone, who was standing behind the plate.

“I always see this on social media,” she said. “I never thought I would throw a pitch.”

Wearing a personalized Dodgers jersey, Watkins shouted the traditional pregame chant after throwing from the mound: “It’s time for Dodger baseball.” She was accompanied by her parents and a cousin.

As a freshman, Watkins led Southern California to its best season in years, winning the Pac-12 championship before falling one win short of a place in the Final Four. She is riding the wave of increasing interest in women’s sports, particularly basketball.