BASEBALL: `OPERATION OMAHA' ON TRACK FOR USC USC 10, SANTA CLARA 3.

Byline: Chris Cocoles Staff Writer

Josh Persell launched USC's Operation Omaha campaign Wednesday afternoon.

The senior Montclair Prep High of Van Nuys graduate clobbered Santa Clara pitching for a home run, two doubles and three RBI in a season- opening 10-3 victory in front of before 482 at Dedeaux Field.

Last June, USC reached Omaha, Neb., the hottest team in college baseball. The Trojans had won 15 in a row, including five convincing regional and super-regional victories.

But the Trojans hung around for just three games, eliminated after consecutive losses to eventual-champion LSU and Florida State.

``I don't think we were unfulfilled. We got there. Naturally, if you're a team that gets there, there's only one team that leaves Omaha throwing a party,'' said Persell, a first baseman/DH.

``I think we're right back where we started. I think we can come right back where we ended (last year).''

Ranked second in two preseason polls and third in another, anything less than another CWS appearance won't do. Hence the Operation Omaha logo stamped on the team's game program and press releases.

``That's just a little inside thing we've got going to pump us up,'' said sophomore second baseman Anthony Lunetta, who went 3 for 4 with a homer, double and four RBI.

``For games that don't mean so much compared to playing for league championships; Operation Omaha, you've got win the little games.''

With top run producers Beau Craig and Justin Gemoll gone, USC has plugged the No. 3-hitting Persell into the equation. He complemented the big bats with a .351, nine-homer, 40-RBI junior year normally batting second, in front of Gemoll and Craig.

Persell hinted he was capable of reaching bigger power numbers in the 2000 postseason, when he smacked four home runs in eight games.