Mike Potter ·
3 Jul 2009, 10:28 PM ·
Comment
COLEMAN FIELD/CARY It’s Game 3 of what has so far been a very lopsided series between the USA National Team and Guatemala.
In Game 1 on Wednesday night in Kannapolis the USA pitching staff combined for 24 strikeouts and then on Thursday night on this field the staff combined for the first official no-hitter in team history.
The crowd is a little bigger on a very pleasantly warm evening at the National Training Complex, perhaps drawn in by the post-game fireworks. And maybe there will be some during the game, too.
The USA is in camo uniforms tonight to celebrate the Independence Day weekend.
To review, this Guatemalan team has a massively wide age range. Infielder Jorge Gutierrez, who came into the game with the Quetzals’ only two hits of the series and isn’t in the starting lineup, is 42 while center fielder Manuel Hernandez is 16.
And once again, I’m the only one in the house representing local media - or in fact any general-circulation publication not specializing in baseball. Baseball America is also on site.
The Americans are batting in the top of the first inning, and it quickly becomes obvious this is like the movie “Groundhog Day” for the overmatched Guatemalans, who are on the way to an 18-0 loss that’s stopped after seven innings. UCLA’s Trevor Bauer (pictured) gets the win. Continue reading »
Baseball, Durham Bulls, USA Baseball Al Yevoli, Baseball America, Bryce Brentz, Cal State-Fullerton, Cary, Christian Colon, Groundhog Day, High Point Panthers, Jorge Gutierrez, Kannapolis, Manuel Hernandez, Mario Cruz, Marlon Claveria, Michael Choice, Middle Tennessee, Rick Jones, San Diego Padres, Sonny Gray, Texas-Arlington, Trevor Bauer, Tulane, UCLA, Vanderbilt
Mike Potter ·
27 Jun 2009, 12:07 AM ·
Comment
Rick Hague of Rice (pictured) had three hits including a pair of doubles with three RBI, leading a 19-hit attack as Team USA blasted Canada 8-1 at Durham Bulls Athletic Park.
Friday night’s win gave the USA victories in the first two games of the five-game set, which began with a 12-4 victory on Thursday night at the National Training Complex in Cary.
The NTC was also the site Friday of the fourth day of the 18U Tournament of Stars, which will see crossover action today.
Team USA will have a special guest manager for tonight’s 7:05 p.m. National Team contest against Canada, as “Trader Jack” McKeon - former manager of the Florida Marlins, Cincinnati Reds, San Diego Padres, Oakland A’s and Kansas City Royals - will be running the show.
Gerrit Cole of UCLA was the winning pitcher in Friday’s game, striking out 12 against one walk and allowing just three hits in 6 2/3 shutout innings.
Florida State’s Tyler Holt had three hits including a double and scored three runs from the leadoff spot.
ACC, Baseball, USA Baseball Add new tag, Canada, Cincinnati Reds, Durham Bulls Athletic Park, Florida Marlins, Florida State, Gerrit Cole, Jack McKeon, Kansas City Royals, Oakland A's, Rice Owls, Rick Hague, San Diego Padres, Tyler Holt, UCLA
