Cary, N.C. - Southern California was crowned the 2018 15U National Team Identification Series Champions Cup gold medal winners after defeating South Texas 3-1 at the USA Baseball National Training Complex in Cary, North Carolina.

Southern California got on the board early Sunday morning. After a single and a walk in the top of the first inning, Rocco DiFrancesco doubled to drive in both runs and give Southern California the early 2-0 advantage.
South Texas would put a run of their own on the board shortly after. In the bottom of the second inning, Derick Ramirez singled to left field to drive in a run and cut the Southern California lead in half. 
That would be the lone run for South Texas as Southern California starting pitcher David Horn turned in a stellar performance. Horn allowed six hits, two walks, and one run while striking out four over seven frames of work. 
Southern California would add an insurance run to their lead in the top of the fifth inning when Zach Peters singled in David Horn for the third Southern California run of the ballgame.
Down 3-1, South Texas threatened in the bottom of the seventh with a runner on, but a running catch by left fielder Tyler Prystajko ended the ballgame.
The victory by Southern California sets them up in second place in the race for the Champions Cup after Southeast took home the gold for the 13U and 15U divisions already. The 11U and 17U divisions will play next weekend, August 24-26.
For more information about the Championship game and the 2018 NTIS, visit the USA Baseball team page or follow along on Twitter @USABaseballNTIS.