USC basketball star JuJu Watkins throws strike at Dodger Stadium

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)

LOS ANGELES – 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.”

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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.

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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.

“The women in this sport are incredible and it’s so inspiring to see the rise of the game,” she said. “It’s definitely a collective effort. I wouldn’t say I’m solely responsible for it. I just need to make sure I do my part.”

Watkins took a break after the end of the season and recently vacationed in Mexico.

“Now I’m ready to start again,” she said. “There are so many things I need to get better at.”