BOCA CHICA, Dominican Republic – The United States opens Super Round play against Nicaragua Sunday morning at the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) Americas U-18 Pan-American Championship Saturday at 10:00 a.m. ET at the IPL Academy in Boca Chica, Dominican Republic.
LAST TIME OUT
Team USA cruised past the Dominican Republic, 16-1, on Saturday to complete a sweep of Group A pool play at the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) Americas U-18 Baseball Pan-American Championship. George Ferguson shined in his Team USA debut, allowing just two hits and one walk while striking out eight over 4.0 scoreless innings. The U.S. offense erupted for 16 runs across three innings, highlighted by a three-RBI triple from Sebastian Wilson and a 3-for-4, two-RBI performance from Graham Houston.
PITCHING MATCHUP
TBA (NCA) vs. RHP Ethan Gustus (USA)
SCOUTING THE OPPONENT
Nicaragua posted a 2-1 record in pool play, defeating Cuba and Mexico while falling to Venezuela. Nicaragua has a run differential of +4 runs, and the team has thrown one shutout.
Nicaragua is a solid team offensively. The squad boasts the best batting average (.322) following the United States, while leading the tournament in home runs with three. Additionally, Nicaragua leads all nations in walks drawn (25).
At the plate, the team is led by Crislyn Ubeda and Kendrys Morales, who are both hitting above .500. Starting shortstop Luis Garcia leads the team in OPS (1.247) and has driven in five runs.
Nicaragua’s pitching staff owns a 4.67 ERA yet holds opponents to a .264 batting average. Additionally, its arms have surrendered the most extra-base hits (9), including eight doubles.
HISTORY AGAINST NICARAGUA
The 18U National Team is 3-1 all-time against Nicaragua, first meeting at the 1992 World Junior Championships in Monterrey, Mexico. Over four meetings, Team USA has outscored the Dominican Republic 34-23, while three games have been decided by four or fewer runs. Since losing the first contest, Team USA has won the last three meetings.
Team USA last played Nicaragua at the 2022 World Cup Americas Qualifier held in La Paz, Mexico. In that contest, the United States beat Nicaragua, 8-4, behind a 3-for-4 performance from Casey Borba.
TEAM USA STAT LEADERS
- BA: Drake Hawpe (.571)
- HITS: Chase Fuller, Dylan Seward (5)
- RBIs: Sebastian Wilson (8)
- RUNS: Sebastian Castillo, Drake Hawpe (6)
- TB: Chase Fuller, Dylan Seward (7)
- BB: Sebastian Castillo, Drake Hawpe, Broder Katke (4)
- SB: Lubin Rincon, Dylan Seward (2)
- IP: George Ferguson (4.0)
- ERA: Many tied (0.00)
- Ks: George Ferguson (8)
SUPER ROUND STANDINGS - ALL STANDINGS
- Puerto Rico (1-0)
- United States (1-0)
- Venezuela (1-0)
- Dominican Republic (0-1)
- Nicaragua (0-1)
- Panama (0-1)
SCHEDULE
- October 26 - vs. Venezuela - 10:00 a.m. ET
- October 27 - vs. Panama - 10:00 a.m. ET
- October 28 - vs. Puerto Rico - 10:00 a.m. ET
- October 29 - Medal Round - TBD
INSIDE THE ROSTER
The 2026 roster features Isaac Vidal, who will appear on a USA Baseball national team for the third time, in addition to 15U National Team alums Cooper Collins and Samir Mohammed. Nine players on the roster have participated in USA Baseball national team development programming, while four players have participated in a past development event jointly hosted in partnership with Major League Baseball. Additionally, top ranked 2027 MLB Draft prospects Dylan Seward (No. 3), Malachi Butler (No. 8), and George Ferguson (No. 16), and Lubin Rincon (No. 20) are featured on the roster. More information on the 2026 18U National Team Roster can be found HERE.
AT THE HELM
The 2026 18U National Team is led by Team USA alum and 13-year major leaguer Brian Schneider, who makes his managerial debut with the program. Alongside Schneider is 11-year MLB reliever and two-time Team USA alum Luke Gregerson, who will serve as pitching coach. Former professionals Doug Mientkiewicz and Tim Raines Jr. round out the staff as assistant coaches.
FOLLOW ALONG
To stay up to date with the USA Baseball 18U National Team, follow along with @USABaseball18U on Twitter/X, and @USABaseball on Instagram. For more information on the schedule including live statistics and streaming, visit HERE.
