CARY, N.C. – USA Baseball announced today that 156 alumni kicked off the 2023 Major League Baseball season on Opening Day rosters. In addition, all 30 Major League Clubs feature at least two former USA Baseball national team members to begin the season.

The New York Mets lead all clubs with 11 former Team USA members, while the Philadelphia Phillies have the second-most on their roster with nine. The Chicago Cubs, Seattle Mariners, and St. Louis Cardinals have eight each on their roster, and seven alums are with the Arizona Diamondbacks, Los Angeles Angels, Milwaukee Brewers, and San Diego Padres.

In total, 23 of the 30 Clubs feature four or more players who suited up for the red, white, and blue in international competition.

Three alums were named as the Opening Day starting pitchers for their respective clubs: Miles Mikolas (St. Louis Cardinals), Max Scherzer (New York Mets), and Marcus Stroman (Chicago Cubs). Mikolas most recently won a silver medal with Team USA at the 2023 World Baseball Classic, where he surrendered one earned run in a combined six innings out of the bullpen.

Brice Turang (Milwaukee Brewers) and Blake Sabol (San Francisco Giants) debuted on an MLB roster to begin the 2023 season; meanwhile, reigning AL Cy Young Award winner Justin Verlander is in his 18th season in the big leagues and reigning NL MVP Paul Goldschmidt began his 11th season in the MLB on Friday.

Eight alums are managing around the league, including Aaron Boone (New York Yankees), Terry Francona (Cleveland Guardians), Joe Girardi (Philadelphia Phillies), AJ Hinch (Detroit Tigers), Mark Kotsay (Oakland Athletics), Dave Roberts (Los Angeles Dodgers), David Ross (Chicago Cubs), and Scott Servais (Seattle Mariners). Francona is the only alum managing an MLB team that has played and coached for a USA Baseball national team.

Additionally, five USA Baseball Golden Spikes Award winners find themselves on an opening day roster, including a pair of Chicago White Sox teammates in Andrew Benintendi and Andrew Vaughn, as well as Kris Bryant (Colorado Rockies), Kyle Lewis(Seattle Mariners), and Adley Rutschman (Baltimore Orioles).

The complete list of USA Baseball alumni on Opening Day rosters is as follows:

Arizona Diamondbacks

• Corbin Carroll – 2018 18U
• Zach Davies – 2007 14U
• Merrill Kelly – 2023 World Baseball Classic
• Evan Longoria – 2007 Professional; 2009 World Baseball Classic
• Jake McCarthy – 2017 Collegiate
• Scott McGough – 2010 Collegiate; 2021 Olympics
• Alek Thomas – 2017 18U

Atlanta Braves

• Travis d'Arnaud - 2011 Professional
• A.J. Minter - 2014 Collegiate
• Matt Olson - 2010 16U

Baltimore Orioles

• Adam Frazier - 2012 Collegiate; 2015 Professional
• Kyle Gibson - 2008 Collegiate
• Cole Irvin - 2011 18U
• Cedric Mullins - 2023 World Baseball Classic
• Adley Rutschman - 2018 Collegiate

Boston Red Sox

• Triston Casas - 2015 15U; 2016 & 2017 18U; 2021 Olympics
• Tanner Houck - 2015 & 2016 Collegiate; 2019 Professional
• Reese McGuire - 2012 18U
• Robert Refsnyder - 2007 16U

Chicago Cubs

• Nico Hoerner - 2011 14U; 2012 15U
• Eric Hosmer - 2007 18U; 2010 Professional; 2013 & 2017 World Baseball Classic
• Nick Madrigal - 2011 14U; 2012 15U; 2014 18U; 2017 Collegiate
• Drew Smyly – 2011 Professional; 2017 World Baseball Classic
• Marcus Stroman - 2011 Collegiate; 2017 World Baseball Classic
• Dansby Swanson - 2014 Collegiate
• Jameson Taillon - 2009 18U
• Keegan Thompson - 2011 16U; 2012 18U

Chicago White Sox

• Tim Anderson - 2023 World Baseball Classic
• Yasmani Grandal - 2009 Collegiate
• Kendall Graveman - 2023 World Baseball Classic
• Joe Kelly - 2007 Collegiate
• Lance Lynn - 2007 Collegiate; 2023 World Baseball Classic
• Andrew Vaughn - 2013 15U; 2017 & 2018 Collegiate; 2019 Professional

Cincinnati Reds - 3

• Will Benson - 2015 18U
• TJ Friedl - 2016 Collegiate
• Hunter Greene - 2014 15U; 2015 & 2016 18U

Cleveland Guardians

• Hunter Gaddis - 2017 Collegiate
• Cam Gallagher - 2015 Professional

Colorado Rockies

• Daniel Bard - 2023 World Baseball Classic
• Kris Bryant - 2012 Collegiate
• Kyle Freeland - 2023 World Baseball Classic
• Mike Moustakas - 2006 18U; 2010 Professional

Detroit Tigers

• Riley Greene - 2017 18U
• Alex Lange - 2016 Collegiate
• Austin Meadows - 2011 16U
• Spencer Torkelson - 2018 & 2019 Collegiate

Houston Astros

• Alex Bregman - 2010 16U; 2011 18U; 2013 & 2014 Collegiate; 2017 World Baseball Classic
• Ryan Pressly - 2023 World Baseball Classic
• Ryne Stanek - 2011 & 2012 Collegiate
• Kyle Tucker - 2012 15U; 2023 World Baseball Classic

Kansas City Royals

• Jackie Bradley Jr. - 2010 Collegiate
• MJ Melendez - 2016 18U
• Brady Singer - 2023 World Baseball Classic
• Bobby Witt Jr. - 2018 18U; 2023 World Baseball Classic

Los Angeles Angels

• Tyler Anderson - 2010 Collegiate
• Reid Detmers - 2019 Collegiate
• Brett Phillips - 2015 Professional
• Anthony Rendon - 2010 Collegiate
• Matt Thaiss - 2015 Collegiate
• Mike Trout - 2010 Professional; 2023 World Baseball Classic
• Taylor Ward - 2014 Collegiate

Los Angeles Dodgers

• Mookie Betts - 2023 World Baseball Classic
• Freddie Freeman - 2005 16U; 2006 18U
• Clayton Kershaw - 2005 18U
• Will Smith - 2023 World Baseball Classic

Miami Marlins

• Braxton Garrett - 2015 18U
• A.J. Puk - 2015 Collegiate

Milwaukee Brewers

• Matt Bush - 2002 16U; 2003 18U
• Hoby Milner - 2011 Collegiate
• Garrett Mitchell - 2019 Collegiate
• Brice Turang - 2014 15U; 2016 & 2017 18U
• Devin Williams - 2023 World Baseball Classic
• Jesse Winker - 2011 18U
• Christian Yelich - 2017 World Baseball Classic

Minnesota Twins

• Kyle Farmer - 2012 Collegiate
• Joey Gallo - 2011 18U
• Sonny Gray - 2009 & 2010 Collegiate
• Joe Ryan - 2021 Olympics
• Cole Sands - 2012 15U; 2016 Collegiate
• Caleb Thielbar - 2019 Professional

New York Mets

• Pete Alonso - 2023 World Baseball Classic
• Tommy Hunter - 2006 Collegiate
• Francisco Lindor - 2009 16U; 2010 18U
• Jeff McNeil - 2023 World Baseball Classic
• Stephen Nogosek - 2009 14U; 2015 Collegiate
• Adam Ottavino - 2023 World Baseball Classic
• David Peterson - 2016 Collegiate
• Brooks Raley - 2023 World Baseball Classic
• David Robertson - 2017 World Baseball Classic; 2021 Olympics
• Max Scherzer - 2005 Collegiate
• Justin Verlander - 2003 Collegiate

New York Yankees

• Kyle Higashioka - 2023 World Baseball Classic
• Giancarlo Stanton – 2013 & 2017 World Baseball Classic
• Jose Trevino - 2012 Collegiate
• Anthony Volpe - 2013 12U; 2016 15U; 2018 18U

Oakland Athletics

• Nick Allen - 2013 15U; 2016 18U; 2021 Olympics
• Zach Jackson - 2015 Collegiate
• Shea Langeliers - 2018 Collegiate
• Brent Rooker - 2019 Professional

Philadelphia Phillies

• Alec Bohm - 2019 Professional
• Nick Castellanos - 2009 18U
• Dalton Guthrie - 2016 Collegiate
• Josh Harrison - 2017 World Baseball Classic
• Craig Kimbrel - 2013 World Baseball Classic
• JT Realmuto - 2023 World Baseball Classic
• Kyle Schwarber - 2013 Collegiate; 2023 World Baseball Classic
• Bryson Stott - 2018 Collegiate
• Trea Turner - 2012 & 2013 Collegiate; 2023 World Baseball Classic

Pittsburgh Pirates

• David Bednar - 2023 World Baseball Classic
• Chase De Jong - 2011 18U
• Ke'Bryan Hayes - 2014 18U
• Andrew McCutchen - 2004 18U; 2017 World Baseball Classic
• Bryan Reynolds - 2014 Collegiate

San Diego Padres

• Jake Cronenworth - 2019 Professional
• David Dahl - 2011! 18U
• Trenton Grisham - 2014! 18U
• Josh Hader - 2015 Professional
• Nick Martinez - 2023 World Baseball Classic
• Michael Wacha - 2011 Collegiate
• Ryan Weathers - 2017! 18U

San Francisco Giants

• Michael Conforto - 2012 & 2013 Collegiate
• Brandon Crawford - 2006 Collegiate; 2017 World Baseball Classic
• Blake Sabol - 2013 15U

Seattle Mariners

• JP Crawford - 2009 14U
• Marco Gonzales - 2012 Collegiate
• Jarred Kelenic - 2016 & 2017 18U
• Penn Murfee - 2019 Professional
• AJ Pollock - 2011 Professional
• Robbie Ray - 2009 18U
• Paul Sewald - 2015 Professional
• Kolten Wong - 2009 Collegiate

St. Louis Cardinals

• Nolan Arenado - 2017 & 2023 World Baseball Classic
• Alec Burleson - 2019 Collegiate
• Jack Flaherty - 2013 18U
• Paul Goldschmidt - 2017 & 2023 World Baseball Classic
• Nolan Gorman - 2017 18U
• Miles Mikolas - 2023 World Baseball Classic
• Andre Pallante - 2018 Collegiate
• Zack Thompson - 2018 Collegiate

Tampa Bay Rays

• Jason Adam - 2023 World Baseball Classic
• Zach Eflin - 2015 Professional
• Taylor Walls - 2016 Collegiate

Texas Rangers

• Robbie Grossman - 2007 18U
• Travis Jankowski - 2015 Professional
• Josh Jung - 2018 Collegiate
• Ian Kennedy - 2002 18U; 2004 & 2005 Collegiate
• Brad Miller - 2009 & 2010 Collegiate
• Corey Seager - 2010 16U

Toronto Blue Jays

• Cavan Biggio - 2012 18U
• Matt Chapman - 2013 Collegiate
• Kevin Gausman - 2009 18U; 2011 Collegiate
• George Springer - 2010 Collegiate
• Dalton Varsho - 2019 Professional

Washington Nationals

• CJ Abrams - 2018 18U
• Mason Thompson - 2013 15U
• Trevor Williams - 2012 Collegiate

CARY, N.C. – USA Baseball today announced the 30-man roster for the 2023 World Baseball Classic on a special two-hour MLB Tonight program on MLB Network. Team USA, and returning players Nolan Arenado and Paul Goldschmidt, will aim to defend their title with a roster of 15 pitchers and 15 position players.

The roster also features 10 USA Baseball alumni, 19 Major League Baseball All-Stars, 11 Silver Slugger Award recipients, seven World Series Champions, four Rawlings Gold Glove Award winners, four MLB Most Valuable Players, four Batting Title champions, three Rookies of the Year, and one Cy Young Award winner.

“We are looking forward to getting this incredible group of players together in Phoenix next month,” said Team USA General Manager Tony Reagins. “The commitment they have made to represent their country and defend Team USA’s title is something that we don’t take for granted.”

“I can make the argument that this is the greatest collection of American players that will share a clubhouse and represent their country,” said 2023 Team USA Manager Mark DeRosa. “March 11 can’t come quick enough.”

“Using the word impressive to describe the collection of talent and accolades on this World Baseball Classic roster may be an understatement,” said Paul Seiler, USA Baseball’s Executive Director/CEO. “This team is laden with experience, and we are excited to welcome Nolan Arenado and Paul Goldschmidt back for this year’s World Baseball Classic. We will look to them to lead a balanced group of USA Baseball alumni and newcomers as we look to bring home another gold medal from this event.”

Arenado and Goldschmidt return from the 2017 World Baseball Classic squad that won Team USA’s first-ever gold medal in the event and are joined by fellow alums Daniel Bard, Clayton Kershaw, Lance Lynn, Kyle Schwarber, Mike Trout, Kyle Tucker, Trea Turner, and Bobby Witt Jr. The USA Baseball alumni span one 15U National Team, three 18U National Teams, four Collegiate National Teams, two Professional National Teams, and one World Baseball Classic Team. Collectively, four alums have won a gold medal in international play.

The 2023 World Baseball Classic will reunite former USA Baseball teammates Schwarber and Turner (2013 Collegiate National Team) and Arenado and Goldschmidt (2017 World Baseball Classic Team).

USA Baseball’s 2023 World Baseball Classic roster:

Name, Position, MLB Club, Birthplace

• Jason Adam; RHP; Omaha, Neb.; Tampa Bay Rays
• Pete Alonso; 1B; Tampa, Fla.; New York Mets
• Tim Anderson; SS; Tuscaloosa, Ala.; Chicago White Sox
• Nolan Arenado; 3B; Newport Beach, Calif.; St. Louis Cardinals
• Daniel Bard; RHP; Houston, Texas; Colorado Rockies
• David Bednar; RHP; Pittsburgh, Pa.; Pittsburgh Pirates
• Mookie Betts; OF; Nashville, Tenn.; Los Angeles Dodgers
• Nestor Cortes; LHP; Surgidero de Batabana, Cuba; New York Yankees
• Paul Goldschmidt; 1B; Wilmington, Del.; St. Louis Cardinals
• Kendall Graveman; RHP; Alexander City, Ala.; Chicago White Sox
• Kyle Higashioka; C; Huntington Beach, Calif.; New York Yankees
• Merrill Kelly; RHP; Houston, Texas; Arizona Diamondbacks
• Clayton Kershaw; LHP; Dallas, Texas; Los Angeles Dodgers
• Lance Lynn; RHP; Indianapolis, Ind.; Chicago White Sox
• Jeff McNeil; 2B; Santa Barbara, Calif.; New York Mets
• Miles Mikolas; RHP; Jupiter, Fla.; St. Louis Cardinals
• Cedric Mullins; OF; Greensboro, N.C.; Baltimore Orioles
• Adam Ottavino; RHP; New York, N.Y.; New York Mets
• Ryan Pressly; RHP; Dallas, Texas; Houston Astros
• Brooks Raley; LHP; San Antonio, Texas; New York Mets
• J.T. Realmuto; C; Del City, Okla.; Philadelphia Phillies
• Kyle Schwarber; DH; Middletown, Ohio; Philadelphia Phillies
• Brady Singer; RHP; Leesburg, Fla.; Kansas City Royals
• Will Smith; C; Louisville, Ky.; Los Angeles Dodgers
• Mike Trout; OF; Vineland, N.J.; Los Angeles Angels
• Kyle Tucker; OF; Tampa, Fla.; Houston Astros
• Trea Turner; SS; Boynton Beach, Fla.; Philadelphia Phillies
• Adam Wainwright; RHP; Brunswick, Ga.; St. Louis Cardinals
• Devin Williams; RHP; St. Louis, Mo.; Milwaukee Brewers
• Bobby Witt Jr.; 3B; Colleyville, Texas; Kansas City Royals

The New York Mets and St. Louis Cardinals lead all Major League Clubs with four players on the Team USA roster, while the Chicago White Sox, Los Angeles Dodgers, and Philadelphia Phillies boast three apiece. Additionally, the Houston Astros, Kansas City Royals, and New York Yankees each have two athletes on the roster.

General Manager Tony Reagins and DeRosa will look to lead Team USA to a second straight gold medal after capping the 2017 event with a dominant 8-0 victory over Puerto Rico in the championship game at Dodger Stadium. Also on the staff are Jerry Manuel (Bench Coach), Andy Pettitte (Pitching Coach), Ken Griffey Jr. (Hitting Coach), Lou Collier (First Base Coach), Dino Ebel (Third Base Coach), and Dave Righetti (Bullpen Coach).

USA Baseball’s World Baseball Classic team will begin its title defense with first-round games as part of Pool C at Chase Field in Phoenix, Arizona. The U.S. will open the tournament against Great Britain at 9 p.m. (ET) on Saturday, March 11, before taking on Mexico, Canada, and Colombia on March 12, 13, and 15, respectively. The Pool C winner and runner-up will advance to the quarterfinals in Miami from March 17–18 and will match-up against the winner and runner-up of Pool D.

The semifinals and finals will take place at loanDepot park in Miami from March 19–21.

CARY, N.C. – USA Baseball and USA Baseball Sports Properties within LEARFIELD today announced an exclusive multi-year relationship with Chinook Seedery to become the Official Sunflower Seed Supplier for the organization. Through this relationship, Chinook Seedery will supply sunflower seeds for all USA Baseball national team and national team development programs.

Additionally, Chinook Seedery will also supply promotional items to USA Baseball for its foul ball program. Beginning in 2023, fans will receive a complimentary pack of sunflower seeds when they return a foul ball during USA Baseball events at the National Training Complex.

"USA Baseball is pleased to name Chinook Seedery the Official Sunflower Seed Supplier for the organization,” said USA Baseball Chief Operating Officer David Perkins. “Chinook Seedery produces a flavorful variety of healthy snacks that will help fuel USA Baseball national team and national team development program athletes. We appreciate their support and look forward to collaborating with them to develop future sunflower seed flavors.”

"Few things are more Americana than baseball and sunflower seeds. Chinook's partnership with USA Baseball is a natural fit that is only bolstered by our recent flavor collaboration with Team USA alum Bobby Witt Jr. We could not be more excited to bring the 'best seeds ever' to the best ballplayers in our great country," said Chinook Seedery Founder Mark Pettyjohn.

Launched in 2020, USA Baseball Sports Properties within LEARFIELD is dedicated to representing USA Baseball by developing and managing sponsor relationships with brands looking to align with USA Baseball and its events and programming.

About Chinook Seedery

Based in Austin, Texas, Chinook Seedery is the country's fastest-growing sunflower seed brand, providing a "better-for-you option" that is lower in sodium, non-GMO certified, gluten-free, and Keto friendly. Chinook combines a unique small-batch process with the largest, most premium seeds grown in the US, resulting in the "best seeds ever.” For more information or to try the product, visit http://www.chinookseedery.com, or follow us on Instagram (@chinookseedery), Facebook (@chinookseedery), and Twitter (@chinookseedery).

CARY, N.C. – USA Baseball today announced organizational changes and a series of promotions and title changes, including the appointment of Ashley Bratcher as General Manager of National Teams and Eric Campbell as the General Manager of Collegiate and Professional National Teams.

Bratcher has served multiple critical roles in the organization since 2009 and will now oversee and support all three youth national team programs, the Women's National Team program, national team and athlete development programs, and national team identification events. Additionally, Campbell will continue to lead the Collegiate and Professional National Team programs.

"USA Baseball has grown tremendously over the past few years, and we are happy to announce several changes and promotions within our organization," said USA Baseball Executive Director/CEO Paul Seiler. "The changes showcase the organization's growth as the national governing body for baseball in the United States. Notably, we are thrilled to elevate Ashley Bratcher to General Manager of National Teams. Ashley's outstanding leadership and wealth of experience will continue to impact our organization and the amateur baseball landscape significantly and profoundly."

USA Baseball also announced three additional promotions in the Baseball Operations department. First, Brett Curll will lead the defending world champion 18U National Team Program after serving in a support role with both gold-medal-winning 18U National Teams in 2022. Curll joined the organization in 2018 after spending seven years working in amateur baseball following his collegiate baseball career at the University of Maryland and Liberty University.

Ben Kelley is taking over the two-time defending world champion 15U National Team Program. Kelley joined the organization in 2017 and has helped manage facility operations at the USA Baseball National Training Complex and run the National Team Championships in Arizona over the last five years. In addition, he oversaw the 13U/14U Athlete Development Program and supported several youth national team programs. Cole Beeker joined USA Baseball full-time in the fall and will serve as the program director for the defending world champion 12U National Team. Beeker was an intern for the 18U National Team in 2021 and, most recently, was an amateur scouting assistant for the Detroit Tigers.

An additional change made within the Baseball Operations department is Director of Player Development Jim Koerner will now be responsible for guiding the 13U/14U Athlete Development Program (ADP) and 16U/17U National Team Development Program (NTDP). Koerner, who spent 20 years coaching at the collegiate level, joined USA Baseball full-time in 2021 and will simultaneously continue on as the Field Coordinator for the MLB/USA Baseball Prospect Development Pipeline (PDP) League as well.

The organization also made several changes within the Communications–formerly Media Relations–and Creative Services teams. Josh Spitz, who joined the organization in 2021 following four years working in the Athletic Communications office at Stony Brook University, was promoted to Assistant Director of Communications. Additionally, Mark Jenkins is the newest Director of Creative Services, and Kevin Jones currently serves as the Director of Brand for the organization. Jenkins joined USA Baseball in 2021 following stops working in creative services for Memphis, Southern Methodist (SMU), and UL Lafayette football programs. Jones has been with USA Baseball since 2012, serving as both a video producer and graphic designer, and spent the last five years as the Director of Creative Services. In his new role, Jones will oversee and develop the identity of USA Baseball in an expanding digital landscape.

Lastly, Lisa Braxton will continue to oversee BASE (Baseball Athlete Safety Education) in her new role as Director of Athlete Safety, in addition to holding expanded responsibility with the entire USA Baseball athlete safety program. Braxton spent nearly a decade at soccer.com, managing team sales, marketing, and institutional and club business before joining the organization in 2021. She also worked for two years for the NCAA.

CARY, N.C. – USA Baseball today named its annual organizational award winners, recognizing the top athletes, coaches, and performances from its 2022 USA Baseball national teams and development programs. 18U National Team member Bryce Eldridge is the Richard W. “Dick” Case Award winner, the fifth 18U National Team alumnus to earn athlete of the year honors since 2011. The award is given annually to USA Baseball’s top player in honor of the organization’s founding Executive Director and CEO.

The 18U National Team collected honors in three additional categories in 2022, boasting Rod Dedeaux Coach of the Year Denny Hocking, International Performance of the Year winner Christian Rodriguez, and “Doc” Counsilman Science Award recipient Adam Moseley.

Seven-time Women’s National Team alumna Kelsie Whitmore is the 2022 Sportswoman of the Year, the 12U National Team earned Team of the Year honors, and Mike Bianco capped off an incredible 2022 by being named the USA Baseball College Coach of the Year.

The Developmental Coach of the Year Award went to 15U National Team Manager Drew Briese, and the Volunteer Coach of the Year honor went to André Butler. Rounding out the awards in 2022 is Coach Educator of the Year Bill Krejci, and Daisy Nelson, the organization’s Service Provider of the Year.

“It is our honor to recognize a group of talented people for their tremendous performances both on and off the field,” said USA Baseball Executive Director and CEO Paul Seiler. “2022 will go down as one of the most successful years in USA Baseball history. Our national teams combined to win four gold medals, three world championships, an international friendship series, and a bronze medal, and the efforts of this group of esteemed individuals were paramount to achieving such unrivaled success this year.”

The complete list of the 2022 USA Baseball organizational award winners is as follows:

• Richard W. “Dick” Case Award: Bryce Eldridge, 18U National Team
• Rod Dedeaux Coach of the Year: Denny Hocking, 18U National Team
• Sportswoman of the Year: Kelsie Whitmore, Women’s National Team
• International Performance of the Year: Christian Rodriguez, 18U National Team
• Team of the Year: 12U National Team
• College Coach of the Year: Mike Bianco, Collegiate National Team
• Developmental Coach of the Year: Drew Briese, 15U National Team
• Volunteer Coach of the Year: André Butler
• Coach Educator of the Year: Bill Krejci
• “Doc” Councilman Science Award: Adam Moseley, 18U National Team
• Service Provider of the Year: Daisy Nelson

Bryce Eldridge earned Richard W. “Dick” Case Player of the Year honors after putting together a dynamic performance at the plate and on the mound at the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) U-18 Baseball World Cup. The two-way star was named Tournament MVP after batting .316 with three homers and 13 RBIs – both tournament highs – and going 1-0 with a spotless 0.00 ERA and one save in three appearances as a pitcher. The Vienna, Virginia, native picked up at least one hit in five of his seven games at the plate and allowed just one hit over three innings pitched. Eldridge delivered in a major way in the first and last games of the tournament, kicking off the World Cup with a grand slam as part of a five-RBI game to beat the Netherlands in the tournament opener. Then, after leading the U.S. offense throughout the tournament, Eldridge cranked a three-run blast in the top of the seventh of the gold medal game before getting the final three outs on the mound as Team USA beat Chinese Taipei to secure its ninth world championship.

Rod Dedeaux Coach of the Year Denny Hocking led the U.S. to its ninth world championship at the WBSC U-18 Baseball World Cup in Bradenton and Sarasota, Florida, and followed that up by leading another 18U National Team to gold at the WBSC U-18 Baseball World Cup Americas Qualifier. Under his guidance in his Team USA managerial debut, the U.S. claimed a world title on its home soil. The 13-year MLB veteran pushed all the right buttons throughout the World Cup as the U.S. went 8-1 en route to a gold medal. Hocking demonstrated his leadership ability by guiding the U.S. to two wins on the final day. Team USA scored 68 runs – its most at a World Cup since 2015 – and struck out 73 batters to lead the tournament. With the gold medal victory over Chinese Taipei, the United States captured its fifth world title in the last six editions of the event. A second 18U National Team under the guidance of Hocking then traveled to Mexico to qualify for next year’s U-18 Baseball World Cup in Taiwan. Not only did the team qualify, but the U.S. left with a gold medal after outscoring its opponents 79-24, hitting .348, and tallying 10 home runs. In total, Hocking led the 18U National Team program to two gold medals and an overall 16-1 record in 2022.

Sportswoman of the Year Kelsie Whitmore made her seventh career appearance for the Women's National Team this past summer. She played a vital role in helping the stars and stripes clinch their friendship series against Canada in Thunder Bay, Ontario. Whitmore started all five games – two on the mound, one as the designated hitter, and two in the outfield – and tallied at least one hit in four games. In the series opener, Whitmore was lights out as she was a double short of the cycle, going 3-for-3 with four RBIs, while pitching 4.2 innings of shutout ball. She led all players in the series with seven runs, eight hits, 10 RBIs, and a 1.000 slugging percentage. Along with her accomplishments with Team USA, Whitmore made history this spring by becoming the first female to play baseball in a league affiliated with Major League Baseball, making her professional debut with the Staten Island FerryHawks on April 21. She made 39 appearances in her rookie season in the Atlantic League.

Trailing Japan 3-2 in the third inning with the bases loaded and no outs in a Super Round game that would send Team USA to the gold medal game with a win, a torrential downpour set the stage for what would become the 2022 USA Baseball International Performance of the Year. The 18U National Team called on Christian Rodriguez out of the bullpen for the restart the morning after. Rodriguez needed just 13 pitches to strike out the Japan side and strand his three inherited base runners to keep the game within one and the U.S. within striking distance of a berth in the final. He would follow his masterful third inning with four more shutout innings, striking out seven batters, before his teammates would rally for the 4-3 walk-off victory. Rodriguez's performance set the tone for Team USA on the final day of the WBSC U-18 Baseball World Cup as the red, white, and blue capped off the event that afternoon with its ninth world championship following a 5-1 victory over Chinese Taipei in the finale.

The 12U National Team traveled to Taiwan in August and returned home with its fourth world championship in program history, earning gold at the WBSC U-12 Baseball World Cup and later being named the 2022 USA Baseball Team of the Year. Amidst strict Covid-19 protocols, the team was required to quarantine in its hotel for three days, but it was not enough to deter the red, white, and blue, as they took care of business by going a perfect 8-0 in tournament play and becoming the first team in 12U National Team history to go unbeaten at the World Cup. After posting four wins in the Opening Round, the U.S. opened the Super Round with a walk-off win over Mexico and a victory over Chinese Taipei before taking down Venezuela twice to claim the title. Team USA clubbed 27 home runs and outscored its opponents 99-31. Seven players for the gold-medal-winning squad earned spots on the All-World Team after the tournament, including Colin Anderson, who was named Tournament MVP. The U.S. now boasts four U-12 Baseball World Cup titles, the most in the world.

Ole Miss Head Coach and 2022 Collegiate National Team Manager Mike Bianco collected plenty of hardware in 2022 to earn USA Baseball College Coach of the Year honors. Bianco led Ole Miss to its first-ever national championship as the Rebels went the distance at the 2022 College World Series. After posting a 42-23 record in regular season play, his squad won the Coral Gables Regional and the Hattiesburg Super Regional before knocking off Oklahoma to win the national championship. Bianco then took the reins as manager of the Collegiate National Team and led the U.S. to a bronze medal at Honkbalweek in Haarlem, Netherlands. Competing against nations featuring numerous players with professional baseball experience, Team USA beat Japan in the bronze medal game, 5-1. The U.S. pitching staff posted a 0.70 ERA in the tournament, the lowest team ERA in Collegiate National Team history.

Developmental Coach of the Year Drew Briese made his managerial debut this past summer with the 15U National Team and led Team USA to its second-straight gold medal at the WBSC U-15 Baseball World Cup in Hermosillo, Mexico. Under his guidance, the squad posted an 8-1 record, highlighted by back-to-back wins over Cuba in the semifinal and gold-medal games, as Team USA outscored its opponents 99-30 in the tournament. Briese played an instrumental role in the development of the players with his wealth of knowledge and experience at the youth and collegiate levels of baseball, helping them to prepare for the next level of their careers.

André Butler's impact in four significant events and national team programs for USA Baseball this year led to him being named the Volunteer Coach of the Year. He was a member of the Task Force at the USA Baseball National Team Championships, aiding in identifying players for the National Team Development Programs (NTDP), and a coach at the 16U/17U NTDP, where he helped prepare those kids for a future national team opportunity. Butler was also on the coaching staff at the PDP League and the 18U National Team Training Camp, where he helped identify and develop a group of athletes that would go on to win the WBSC U-18 Baseball World Cup in September - its ninth in program history. Additionally, eight members of the 16U/17U NTDP later went on to win a gold medal at the WBSC U-18 Baseball World Cup Americas Qualifier in Mexico in November.

Coach Educator of the Year Bill Krejci has been involved with USA Baseball for nearly three decades as a coach and instructor for national teams and developmental programs, and most recently as a part of the Fun At Bat program. With the Fun At Bat program, he has impacted the growth of baseball among youth, serving as a lead instructor at numerous teacher training sessions and as a lead clinician at multiple USA Baseball Homegrown Clinics in 2022. Krejci spends his time with USA Baseball demonstrating the fundamentals of the game to physical education teachers from across the country, helping them implement it into their everyday curriculum. In 2022, his service to USA Baseball has reached more than 100 teachers and 50,000 students in eight school districts using Fun At Bat and over 200 kids who attended a Homegrown Clinic.

"Doc" Counsilman Award recipient Adam Moseley is one of the foremost leaders within the USA Baseball coaching community to use scientific data and state-of-the-art technology as part of his coaching. Under his guidance as the pitching coach for the 18U National Team at the WBSC U-18 Baseball World Cup, Moseley helped lead the U.S. to its ninth world championship thanks to his tireless work using analytical data and ball flight analysis. Not only did his commitment to data allow him to scout opponents in a tournament setting, but he was also able to utilize data from PDP Performance Assessments and Trackman to aid in identifying and selecting the roster for the 18U National Team. Team USA scored 68 runs – its most at a World Cup since 2015 – and struck out 73 batters to lead the tournament.

Daisy Nelson is an unsung hero for the tremendous success of USA Baseball and its many athletes. Nelson has been responsible for staffing and training certified athletic trainers for USA Baseball national teams, training camps, and identification events since 2016. Her contributions, and the extension of her work through USA Baseball's certified athletic trainers, contributed to an unprecedented run of success for the U.S. this year as the stars and stripes won four gold medals, three world championships, a friendship series, and a bronze medal in 2022.

CARY, N.C. – USA Baseball today revealed the 72 athletes selected from the 2022 National Team Identification Series (NTIS) for its 2023 national team programming, following the conclusion of the NTIS Champions Cup, which was held from August 11-28 at the USA Baseball National Training Complex in Cary, North Carolina. Selections were first announced on the USA Baseball NTIS Selection Show, which can be found on USABaseball.com and the organization’s YouTube channel, USABaseballTV.

Additionally, USA Baseball announced that the Southwest region won the 2022 NTIS Champions Cup for the fourth consecutive summer.

The NTIS is the most comprehensive player identification program offered by USA Baseball. Using a six-region system for the initial player identification process, the NTIS holds tryouts in each region of the country for players to be identified and selected for their regional teams, and invited to the NTIS Champions Cup in Cary, North Carolina.

The NTIS Champions Cup consists of tournament-style play, with over 1,200 of the country’s top players competing in 144 games in addition to skill testing and on-field evaluations run by the USA Baseball Task Force and national team coaches.

“We are very excited to reveal the seventy-two athletes who have been selected out of the National Team Identification Series for next year’s national team programming,” said USA Baseball Assistant Director of Baseball Operations Ann Claire Roberson. “As always, the event was full of immense talent in every region and every age group, making the selection process a difficult one. We are eager to watch the selected players continue to grow within our programming and look forward to seeing their impact on the future of USA Baseball.”

Twelve athletes from each age group were invited to compete in the following year’s age-appropriate national team programming events, including 2023 12U National Team Training Camp, the 2023 13U/14U Athlete Development Program (ADP), 2023 15U National Team Training Camp, and the 2023 16U/17U National Team Development Program (NTDP).

In total, the 72 athletes selected represent twenty-two different states and all six regions from across the U.S.

The 2023 National Team Identification Series selections are as follows:

Name; Position; Hometown; Region

2023 12U National Team Training Camp invitees:
(from 11U NTIS)

• Colton Byrnes; INF/C; Truckee, Calif.; Northwest
• Tyler Early; INF/LHP; Alexandria, La.; South
• Kingston George; OF/RHP; Gunter, Texas; South
• Adam Gonzalez; RHP/INF; Canyon Country, Calif.; Southwest
• Paris Head; INF/RHP; Chicago, Ill.; Midwest
• Omar Henriquez; INF/OF; New Milford, N.J.; Northeast
• Uriyeh Marguth; INF/RHP; Gresham, Ore.; Northwest
• Jaylen OBannon; RHP/INF; Daly City, Calif.; Northwest
• Michael Ohman; LHP/INF; South San Francisco, Calif.; Northwest
• Jett Schoolcraft; OF/LHP; Aloha, Ore.; Northwest
• Ryder Serna; INF/OF; San Bernardino, Calif.; Southwest
• JR Waddell; INF/OF; Shreveport, La.; Southeast

2023 13U/14U Athlete Development Program invitees:
(from 12U NTIS)

• Brooks Blanchard; RHP/INF; Greer, S.C.; Southeast
• Cameron Jamal Gibson; OF/LHP; Conway, Ark.; South
• Noah Jarolimek; INF/RHP; Duncan, S.C.; Southeast
• Cristian Matos; C/RHP; Belleville, N.J.; Northeast
• Carter Nash; OF/RHP; Moore, S.C.; Southeast
• Josiah Park; OF/RHP; Fullerton, Calif.; Southwest
• Caleb Polk; RHP/INF; Forney, Texas; South
• Jesse Romo; RHP/OF; Vacaville, Calif.; Northwest
• Eric Shim; INF; Temecula, Calif.; Southwest
• Cameron Small; RHP/INF; Wake Forest, N.C.; Southeast
• Nateo Victorio; INF/C; Suisun City, Calif.; Northwest
• Jett Wilson; INF/OF; Lindsay, Okla.; South

2023 13U/14U Athlete Development Program invitees:
(from 13U NTIS)

• Jacob Carrasco; C/INF; Lancaster, Pa.; Northeast
• Noah Clark; INF/RHP; McLeansville, N.C.; Southeast
• Chase Cotton; RHP/INF; Lincoln, Calif.; Northwest
• Aiden DeLeon; OF/LHP; Victoria, Texas; South
• Orion Gonzalez; INF/RHP; Castaic, Calif.; Southwest
• Andrew Jimenez; INF/RHP; Wildomar, Calif.; Southwest
• Kegan Johnson; OF; Shelbyville, Tenn.; Southeast
• Owen Mescall; INF/OF; Irvine, Calif.; Southeast
• Josh Morgan; OF; Chicago, Ill.; Midwest
• Blake Ragsdale; INF/RHP; Burr Ridge, Ill.; Midwest
• Jael Santos; INF/RHP; Paterson, N.J.; Northeast
• Jacob Seamon; OF/RHP; Waxhaw, N.C.; Southeast

2023 15U National Team Training Camp invitees:
(from 14U NTIS)

• Michael Chin; C/OF; Houston, Texas; South
• Trey Ebel; INF/RHP; Rancho Cucamonga, Calif.; Southwest
• JT Girod; RHP/INF; Independence, Ore.; Northwest
• Braylon Kolish; RHP/OF; Henderson, Nev.; Southwest
• Jason Kruczek; RHP/OF; Alexandria, Va.; Northeast
• Carson Lane; C/RHP; Dandridge, Tenn.; Southeast
• Oliver Minyard; C/INF; Dallas, Texas; South
• Kaden Nicholls; INF/LHP; Grass Valley, Calif.; Northwest
• Kevin Roberts Jr.; INF/RHP; Meridian, Miss.; South
• Garner Rodriguez; INF/RHP; Nacogdoches, Texas; South
• Jack Smejkal; INF/RHP; The Woodlands, Texas; South
• Brandon Washington; RHP/INF; Stanley, N.C.; Southeast

2023 16U/17U National Team Development Program invitees:
(from 15U NTIS)

• Evan Amos; RHP/INF; Summerville, S.C.; Southeast
• Jack Boucher; OF/INF; Mission Viejo, Calif.; Southwest
• Thomas Brown; C/INF; Livermore, Calif.; Northwest
• Tristan Dalzell; LHP; Long Beach, Calif.; Southwest
• Brock Foulds; INF/RHP; Rancho Cucamonga, Calif.; Southwest
• Griffin Loy; RHP/INF; Nancy, Ky.; Midwest
• Grant Mehrhoff; LHP/OF; Marthasville, Mo.; Midwest
• Tait Reynolds; OF/INF; Queen Creek, Ariz.; Northwest
• Luke Ryerse; RHP/INF; Woodbury, Minn.; Midwest
• Nicholas Terhaar; RHP/INF; Saginaw, Minn.; Midwest
• Ben Veletean; INF; Lebanon, Ohio; Northeast
• Miles Young; INF; Cypress, Texas; South

2023 16U/17U National Team Development Program invitees:
(from 16U NTIS)

• Anthony Brown Jr.; INF/OF; Jacksonville, Fla.; Southeast
• Patrick (Teddy) Garner III; RHP/INF; Simpsonville, S.C.; Southeast
• Owen Jenkins; C/INF; Versailles, Ky.; Midwest
• Cameron Johnson; RHP/INF; Waco, Texas; South
• Jaxon Miller; OF; Frisco, Texas; South
• Joe Olson; LHP; Chicago, Ill.; Midwest
• David Ramirez; LHP/OF; Kemah, Texas; South
• Edward Rothlander III; RHP/OF; Conroe, Texas; South
• Cooper Rummel; RHP/OF; Austin, Texas; South
• Logan Sariga; OF/INF; Houston, Texas; South
• Landon Schaefer; INF/RHP; Fayetteville, Ark.; South
• Bricen Smith; INF/OF; Perry, Ga.; Southeast

Box Score | PxP | Cumulative Stats

HERMOSILLO, Mexico. – The USA Baseball 15U National Team will return to the U.S. as World Champions after defeating Cuba, 4-3 in the final game of the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) U-15 Baseball World Cup on Sunday at Estadio Sonora in Hermosillo, Mexico.
  This marks the second championship for the 15U team overall and it is the third time it has competed in the gold medal game. Including results of the past U-16 Baseball World Cups, the 2022-win marks the seventh world title in this age bracket

Team USA (8-1) defeated Cuba the night before by 10 runs to secure a spot in the gold medal game, but the rematch proved to be vastly different.
  Chase Bentley (Granite Bay, Calif.) got the start for the U.S. and came out strong, striking out two of the first three batters to start the game before forcing Cuba’s clean-up hitter to fly out.

In the bottom half of the frame, Team USA jumped on the scoreboard early. Andrew Costello (Fairview, Pa.) drew a five-pitch walk then proceeded to reach third thanks to a passed ball and wild pitch in the next sequence, allowing Brady Ebel (Rancho Cucamonga, Calif.) to drive him home by putting a ball on the right side of the field.

In the bottom of the second, Brady Murrietta (Yorba Linda, Calif.) launched the stars and stripes’ eighth home run of the World Cup (Cuba was the only other team to hit a home run during the tournament, recording one) over the left field wall to take a 2-0 lead.

Cuba responded in the top of the third inning by using a single, sacrifice bunt, and two doubles to score three runs and knock Bentley out of the game. Zane Burns (Chandler, Ariz.) entered took the mound with two on and one out and was able to halt Cuba’s rally, keeping the deficit at 3-2.

Team USA didn’t stay down long. James Tronstein (Los Angeles, Calif.) singled to center field, Coy James (Advance, N.C.) followed with a single of his own, and Costello moved Tronstein to third by reaching on a fielder’s choice. Ebel stepped up to the plate for another RBI opportunity and delivered with a single through the right side to score Tronstein and tie the game.

The game stayed tied heading into the bottom of the fifth thanks to some strong pitching from Burns. As they did two innings earlier, Tronstein and James both reached safely to start the inning and Costello moved them over, this time with a sacrifice bunt. Ebel was intentionally walked to load the bases for Ethan Holliday (Stillwater, Okla.) who proceeded to put Team USA back in the driver’s seat, plating Tronstein via fielder’s choice.

Down to their last at-bats, Cuba made Team USA work for the gold medal. Burns struck out the first batter but shortly after the bases were loaded via single and two walks. Ryan Harwood (Chandler, Ariz.) who was dominate the night before, entered the game with the crowd cheering franticly for Cuba. Harwood struck out the first batter in four pitches to bring Cuba’s last hope to the plate. Harwood fired a strike, a ball, and induced a swinging strike before he fired a ball past the Cuban bat to end the game and begin the championship celebration.
  Bentley had a strong start to the game, going 2.1 innings, striking out four while allowing four hits, and three runs. Burns earned the win by picking up his teammate with 4.0 innings of two-hit baseball and five strikeouts. Harwood came in to secure the final two outs and he did just that with two swinging strikeouts.

Cuba’s Daniel Reyes Nunez was handed the loss after 2.0 innings of work in which he allowed two hits and one earned run.
  Offensively, Team USA recorded six hits from five different players with Tronstein collecting the other in a 2-for-2 effort with two runs scored. Ebel, Holliday, and Murrietta recorded RBIs for the U.S. and John Short (Anaheim, Calif.) had a triple for the other extra-base hit aside from Murrietta’s home run.

Team USA placed three on the WBSC U-15 Baseball World Cup All World-Team and collected four individual awards.

James was named the Most Valuable Player of the tournament with a .480 batting average, two home runs, eight RBIs, and 15 runs scored. James also was named All-World center fielder and took home the award for most home runs (tied with Costello) and most runs scored (15).

Costello and Holliday each earned All-World honors at designated hitter and shortstop, respectively. Costello hit .462 in the tournament with 12 hits, 12 runs scored, four doubles, a triple, two home runs, and 9 RBIs. Holliday earned the award for most RBIs with 11, recording at least one in every game played, to go along with a .407 batting average, 11 hits, seven runs, and three doubles.

Alex Harrington (San Diego, Calif.) rounded out Team USA’s honors by taking home the individual award for most stolen bases with eight thanks in-part to two games with multiple swiped bags.
  Team USA Awards

MVP: Coy James
Most Runs Batted In: Ethan Holliday
Most Home Runs: Coy James
Most Stolen Bases: Alex Harrington
Most Runs Scored: Coy James

WBSC U-15 Baseball World Cup All-World Team
SP: Yao-Yun Chang (Chinese Taipei)
RP: Daniel Reyes (Cuba)
C: Yadier Ruiz (Cuba)
1B: Kanta Kanemoto (Japan)
2B: Tien-Szu Huang (Japan)
3B: Alejandro Cruz (Cuba)
SS: Ethan Holliday (USA)
*OF: Isaac Carrasquillo (Puerto Rico)
*OF: Coy James (USA)
OF: Juan Caballero (Panama)
DH: Andrew Costello (USA)

Box Score | PxP | Cumulative Stats

HERMOSILLO, Mexico. – The USA Baseball 15U National Team impressed on both sides of the plate in its 10-0 five-inning win over Chinese Taipei on Friday at Estadio Sonora in Hermosillo, Mexico. The win moves the U.S. to 3-1 in the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) U-15 Baseball World Cup Super Round.

Strong hitting, spectacular pitching, and sound defense earned the stars and stripes’ third Super Round win, setting up a must-see game against Cuba on Saturday.

The U.S. scored in every inning, plating three in the first, one in the second, and two every inning after that, highlighted by a John Short (Anaheim, Calif.) home run to left center in the bottom of the third.

Carson Bolemon (Greenville, S.C.) was locked-in from the first pitch to the last, going the distance with 5.0 innings of one hit baseball and four strikeouts. Bolemon carried a no-hitter into the fifth inning and would’ve carried a perfect game if not for one hit batter.

Every Team USA batter reached safely at least once in the game, seven by hits and two via walk. Coy James (Advance, N.C.) continued his impressive World Cup, collecting two more hits, two runs scored, a double, and an RBI. Ethan Holliday (Stillwater, Okla.) got the scoring started with a two-RBI bases-loaded single in the bottom of the first inning, while Andrew Costello (Fariview, Pa.), James Tronstein (Los Angeles, Calif.), and Short each recorded an RBI of their own.

HOW IT HAPPENED

• Back-to-back singles and a walk from Coy James, Andrew Costello, and Brady Ebel loaded the bases for Ethan Holliday who laced a single through the right side to drive in two and give Team USA an early lead.
• Brady Murrietta made the score 3-0 in the stars and stripes’ favor, hitting into a double play but driving in Brady Ebel.
• Alex Harrington started the bottom of the second with a double and would come around to score two batters later thanks to a James Tronstein single, putting Team USA ahead, 4-0.
• In the bottom of the third inning, a Chinese Taipei error gave Team USA a 5-0 lead before John Short made the score read 6-0 by launching a home run to left center field.
• James Tronstein walked to start the bottom of the fourth and immediately came around to score when Coy James hit an RBI-double to right center. James scored via balk two batters later to give the U.S. an 8-0 lead.
• Two walks and a sacrifice bunt had Grady Emerson and James Tronstein standing on second and third only for Andrew Costello to drive one of them home and the other scored via error, giving Team USA the 10-0 lead and the win.

NOTABLE

• Carson Bolemon earned his first win of the World Cup pitching all five innings and only allowing one hit while striking out four.
• Coy James continued his impressive World Cup, going 2-for-3 with two runs scored and an RBI-double.
• Ethan Holliday had a two-RBI day, going 1-for-3 at the plate with a walk.
• John Short hit his first home run of the World Cup, sending a ball to deep left center in the bottom of the third inning.
• Alex Harrington stole his eighth base in seven games and recorded a double on the day.
• Every Team USA hitter reached base safely at least once, seven coming by way of hit and the other two earning walks.

ON DECK
The 2022 15U National Team will face Cuba in the WBSC U-15 Baseball World Cup Super Round Saturday, September 2 at 6:00 pm ET/3:00 pm local time at Estadio Sonora in Hermosillo, Mexico.

SOCIAL MEDIA
Stay tuned to @USABaseball15U on Twitter for the most up-to-date news about the 2022 15U National Team.

Box Score | PxP | Cumulative Stats

HERMOSILLO, Mexico. – The USA Baseball 15U National Team entered the bottom of the seventh inning down by a run and came out with a 6-5 win in the bottom of the eighth on Thursday at Estadio Sonora in Hermosillo, Mexico. The win moves the U.S. to 2-1 in the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) U-15 Baseball World Cup Super Round.

A back-and-forth battle by every definition, Team USA fought until the very last pitch to get back in the win column after dropping the Super Round opener to Japan last night.

Panama plated two in the first, the U.S. responded with two of their own immediately after. The red, white, and blue took the lead in the second, extend it in the fifth, and Panama tied it in the sixth. An error gave Panama the lead in the seventh but Coy James (Advance, N.C.) launched a ball over the left field fence to bring it even once again.

With two runners on due to the WBSC tie breaker rules, Ryan Harwood (Chandler, Ariz.) sat Panama down in order to start the eighth, allowing Brady Murrietta (Yorba Linda, Calif.) to load the bases via bunt in the bottom half. On the next pitch, Alex Harrington (San Diego, Calif.) sent a ball to center field and Ethan Holliday (Stillwater, Okla.) home for the walk-off victory.

The stars and stripes collected 11 hits while limiting Panama to just two. Errors were present again in the box score as only two of Panama’s five runs were earned. Behind strong pitching, the U.S. carried a combined no-hitter into the sixth inning.

James, to go along with the game-tying home run, went 3-for-3 at the plate with two RBIs and three runs scored. Brady Ebel (Rancho Cucamonga, Calif.) had a nice day at the plate, going 2-for-3 with an RBI and a double. Holliday had a 2-for-3 day with an RBI and a run scored.

Zane Burns (Chandler, Ariz.) shined with 4.2 innings of hitless ball in relief, striking out two. Harwood (1-0) earned the win, pitching 1.2 innings, striking out one, and working out of back-to-back jams.

HOW IT HAPPENED

• Panama struck first with two runs via bases-loaded walk and a close play at the plate that went their way after the umpire called Brady Murrietta off-the-plate.
• Team USA responded in the bottom of the first as Andrew Costello beat out a single, sliding into first base as Coy James came around to score on a subsequent error to cut Panama’s lead to 2-1.
• Ethan Holliday tied things up with a single through the right side to bring Andrew Costello home and the score to 2-2 in the bottom of the first.
• In the bottom of the second, Coy James sent a ball to center field, singling home Alex Harrington and giving Team USA its first lead of the game, 3-2.
• In the bottom of the fifth, Brady Ebel gave Team USA a bit of a cushion, hitting a ball through the right side to score Coy James and make the score 4-2, stars and stripes.
• Panama used errors and a single across the sixth and seventh innings to reclaim the lead, 5-4 and force Team USA into a corner heading into its final at bats.
• With one out and two strikes, Coy James launched a no-doubt home run to left field to force extra-innings.
• After Ryan Harwood retired Panama in order to start the eighth inning, Brady Murrieta laid down a bunt-single with two runners on (via WBSC tie breaker rules), and a pitch later Alex Harrington sent a fly ball to center field, scoring Ethan Holliday to walk-off.

NOTABLE

• Coy James (3-for-3, two RBIs, three runs scored) launched his second home run of the tournament and is the only player with multiple home runs.
• Andrew Costello had his second consecutive two-hit game, going 2-for-4 with a run scored.
• Brady Ebel went 2-for-3 with an RBI and a double.
• Ethan Holliday went 2-for-3 with an RBI and scored the game-winning run.
• Alex Harrington came through with the walk-off sacrifice fly and had Team USA’s only stolen base.
• Zane Burns worked 4.2 innings of relief, not allowing a hit and striking out two.
• Ryan Harwood earned the win, working 1.2 innings, striking out one, and working out of consecutive jams to keep Panama at bay.

ON DECK
The 2022 15U National Team will face Chinese Taipei in the WBSC U-15 Baseball World Cup Super Round Friday, September 2 at 6:00 pm ET/3:00 pm local time at Estadio Sonora in Hermosillo, Mexico.

SOCIAL MEDIA
Stay tuned to @USABaseball15U on Twitter for the most up-to-date news about the 2022 15U National Team.

Box Score | PxP | Cumulative Stats

HERMOSILLO, Mexico. – The USA Baseball 15U National Team suffered its first loss, by the score of 12-6 on Tuesday at Estadio Sonora in Hermosillo, Mexico. The loss moves the U.S. to 1-1 in the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) U-15 Baseball World Cup after an opening round win over Puerto Rico carried over to the Super Round.

Team USA scored five in the first inning to take an early lead but could not overcome four combined errors in the bottom of the first and third as Japan scored 10 unearned runs. After a 50-minute rain delay in the bottom of the fourth inning, the stars and stripes added a run following back-to-back Japan errors. Japan responded with their first two earned runs of the game in the bottom of the sixth to close the door.

The U.S. collected eight hits on the night while the pitching staff recorded 10 strikeouts and only issued four walks. Japan used 12 hits and took advantage of six errors to defeat Team USA.

Andrew Costello (Fairview, Pa.) and Brady Murrietta (Yorba Linda, Calif.) each recorded two hits and scored a run on the night. Brady Ebel (Rancho Cucamonga, Calif.) collected two RBIs, scored a run and would’ve had two hits but Japan’s Ryuga Soto displayed quick reactions on a line-out comebacker to halt a rally in the sixth inning. Ethan Holliday (Stillwater, Okla.), Coy James (Advance, N.C.), and Alex Harrington (San Diego, Calif.) each had an RBI in the game.

Chase Bentley (Granite Bay, Calif.) had another strong outing despite getting tagged with the loss, pitching 2.2 innings with five strikeouts and one walk. Japan recorded seven hits and nine runs off Bentley, however, none of the runs were earned. Jack McKernan (Missouri City, Texas) pitched 2.2 innings in relief, limiting Japan to three hits and one earned run while punching out four.

HOW IT HAPPENED

• Brady Ebel put Team USA on the board in the first inning with a two-RBI single to center field to score Coy James and Andrew Costello who reached on a hit-by-pitch and a single through the right side, respectively.
• Brady Murrietta moved Brady Ebel to third with a single before Ethan Holliday used a fielder’s choice to send Ebel home and give Team USA a 3-0 lead.
• Alex Harrington laced an RBI-triple to the center field wall and took advantage of a throwing error to make the score 5-0 in Team USA’s favor.
• In the bottom of the third, two U.S. errors put runners on the corners, setting up three Japan singles and a double to tie the game at 5-5.
• In the bottom of the third, Japan used five hits and two Team USA errors to double the lead, putting the U.S. in a 10-5 deficit.
• Ryan Harwood singled through the left side with one out in the top of the fifth and came around to score after James Tronstein and Coy James reached on back-to-back errors to make the score 10-6 in Japan’s favor.
• Japan added the final two runs of the game in the bottom of the sixth with a single and heads-up base running.

NOTABLE

• Andrew Costello and Brady Murrietta each recorded two hits and scored a run.
• Brady Ebel collected two RBIs on 1-for-3 hitting.
• Alex Harrington was responsible for Team USA’s only extra-base hit, lacing a triple to center field and scoring on a throwing error.
• Chase Bentley (0-1) was handed the loss after 2.2 innings of work to start the game, striking out five, walking one and giving up seven hits and nine runs, none of which were earned.
• Team USA drops 1-1 in the WBSC U-15 Baseball World Cup Super Round after the loss and a win over Puerto Rico that was carried over from the Opening Round.

ON DECK
The 2022 15U National Team will face Panama in the WBSC U-15 Baseball World Cup Super Round Thursday, September 1 at 4:30 pm ET/1:30 pm local time at Estadio Sonora in Hermosillo, Mexico.

SOCIAL MEDIA
Stay tuned to @USABaseball15U on Twitter for the most up-to-date news about the 2022 15U National Team.

Box Score | PxP | Cumulative Stats

HERMOSILLO, Mexico. – The USA Baseball 15U National Team used an eight-run seventh inning to pull away from Puerto Rico in a 15-4 victory on Monday at Estadio Hector Espino in Hermosillo, Mexico. The win clinched the top spot in Group C for Team USA and moved its record to 4-0 in the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) U-15 Baseball World Cup.

Team USA led from the second pitch on in the contest, but Puerto Rico hung around up until the seventh inning when the red, white, and blue plated eight runs to shut the door. The stars and stripes scored two in the first, and two in the second, holding off Puerto Rico, and carried a 4-3 lead into the fourth. Two runs in the fifth, and a run in the sixth widened the gap to 7-4 heading into the final frame. Nine walks in the seventh allowed Team USA to put the game out of reach.

As a team, the U.S. drew 13 walks (six of which were hit-by-pitch, a USA Baseball 15U single-game record), and only struck out twice to go along with eight stolen bases, and nine hits. On the mound, the pitching staff limited Puerto Rico to just three hits and a .136 batting average.

Coy James (Advance, N.C.) got things going with a first inning home run and the U.S. never looked back. James went 1-for-4 on the day with the home run, two RBIs, two runs scored, and a walk. Ryan Mitchell (Germantown, Tenn.) had another productive day at the plate, going 2-for-3 with a double, two-RBIs, and a run scored. Brady Murrietta (Yorba Linda, Calif.) used a sacrifice fly and a sacrifice bunt to earn two RBIs on the day. Grady Emerson (Argyle, Texas) had one of the most exciting plays in the tournament, stealing home with the bases loaded during the pitcher’s wind-up.

Carson Bolemon (Greenville, S.C.) worked 2.0 hitless innings to start the game and struck out three. Alexander Mercurius (Las Vegas, Nev.) earned his second win in as many days, going 2.0 innings in relief with a strikeout. Zane Burns (Chandler, Ariz.) came out of the bullpen for 2.0 innings and punched out two.

HOW IT HAPPENED

• On the second pitch of the game, Coy James sent a ball over the fence and the U.S. bench into a frenzy.
• Ryan Mitchell doubled to left field, Brady Ebel moved him to third with a sacrifice bunt, and Andrew Costello brought him home with a sacrifice fly to move Team USA ahead, 2-0.
• In the bottom half of the first, Puerto Rico used walks to cut the deficit in half but were stifled by Carson Bolemon after that, and Team USA took a 2-1 lead into the second.
• Ryan Harwood and James Tronstein reached via hit-by-pitch and Coy James drew a walk before Ryan Mitchell doubled Team USA’s score with a two-RBI single to give the U.S. a 4-1 lead.
• Puerto Rico capitalized on a U.S. error in the bottom of the second to make the score read 4-2, still in Team USA’s favor.
• In the bottom of the third, Puerto Rico scored on a sacrifice fly, but Alexander Mercurius got the swinging strikeout to end the inning and keep Team USA’s lead in-tact, 4-3.
• Andrew Costello doubled, and Brady Ebel singled to set up a sacrifice bunt by Brady Murrietta to increase the stars and stripes’ lead to 5-3 to start the fifth inning.
• Ethan Holliday singled Brady Ebel home a batter later to give Team USA a 6-3 cushion.
• A wild pitch gave Puerto Rico its fourth run of the game, cutting Team USA’s lead to 6-4 heading into the sixth inning.
• With the bases loaded in the top of the sixth, Grady Emerson caught Puerto Rico off-guard and stole home during the pitcher’s wind-up to put the U.S. ahead 7-4.
• In the top of the seventh, Team USA drew three straight walks before Coy James was hit-by-pitch, Grady Emerson drew a walk, Andrew Costello was hit-by-pitch, and Brady Ebel reached on a fielder’s choice, scoring James and Emerson to grow Team USA’s lead to 12-4.
• After a Puerto Rico pitching change led to another hit-by-pitch, Ethan Holliday drew a walk on a wild pitch that Brady Ebel scored on, Ryan Harwood singled through the left side to score Holliday, and two batters later, Alex Harrington scored on a wild pitch, making it 15-4 in Team USA’s favor.

NOTABLE

• Team USA went 4-0 in WBSC U-15 Baseball World Cup Pool Play, clinching first place in Group C, and secured a spot in the Super Round.
• Coy James hit Team USA’s third home run of the U-15 World Cup to start the game.
• Ryan Mitchell went 2-for-3 with a double, two RBIs, and a run scored.
• Brady Murrietta gathered two RBIs via a sacrifice bunt and a sacrifice fly.
• Grady Emerson took advantage of a bases loaded situation and stole home during the Puerto Rico pitcher’s wind-up.
• Alexander Mercurius earned his second win in as many days in 2.0 innings of relief work.

ON DECK
The 2022 15U National Team has an off-day before WBSC U-15 Baseball World Cup Super Round play begins on Wednesday, August 31  in Hermosillo, Mexico.

SOCIAL MEDIA
Stay tuned to @USABaseball15U on Twitter for the most up-to-date news about the 2022 15U National Team.

Box Score | PxP | Cumulative Stats

HERMOSILLO, Mexico. – The USA Baseball 15U National Team recorded six extra base hits in a 13-1 victory over Guam on Sunday at Estadio Sonora in Hermosillo, Mexico. The win improved Team USA to 3-0 in World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) U-15 Baseball World Cup pool play.

The red, white, and blue won by double-digits for the second time in three days, paced by 11 hits from the plate and 11 strikeouts from the mound. Team USA jumped ahead early, taking advantage of Guam wild pitches and didn’t falter. Guam was held to two hits and remained scoreless until the bottom of the fifth, crossing the plate via bases-loaded walk.

As a team, the stars and stripes recorded a combined .440 average on 11 hits, six extra-base hits, six walks and added seven stolen bases.

Ryan Mitchell (Germantown, Tenn.) had a big day at the plate, going 2-for-3 with a double, a stolen base, and four RBIs. Andrew Costello (Fairview, Pa.) filled the stat sheet with one double, one triple, one walk, one stolen base, one RBI, and two runs. Ethan Holliday (Stillwater, Okla.) stayed hot, with a two double, two RBI performance.

Chandler Hart (Allen, Texas) got the start today and whirled 3.0 innings, only allowed one hit and struck out seven. Alexander Mercurius (Las Vegas, Nev.) earned the win with a hitless fourth inning of work.

HOW IT HAPPENED

• Team USA jumped out to a four-run lead in the first as Alex Harrington and Andrew Costello scored on wild pitches before John Short doubled home Brady Ebel and later scored on a wild pitch.
• To start the scoring in the second inning, Ryan Mitchell doubled up the middle to plate Ryan Harwood and James Tronstein. A few pitches later, Mitchell would score on a passed ball, making it 7-0, in Team USA’s favor.
• Ryan Mitchell added to his RBI total in the top of the third, singling home Ryan Harwood to put Team USA ahead 8-0.
• Andrew Costello sent a double down the left field line to score Ryan Mitchell and give Team USA a 9-0 lead.
• Ryan Mitchell came through yet again in the top of the fifth with a sacrifice fly to score Alex Harrington, giving the U.S. a 10-0 lead.
• Sebastian Norman made his mark on the game, driving in Andrew Costello with an RBI-single, to give Team USA an 11-0 advantage.
• Ethan Holliday sent a ball over the right fielder for a double, sending Sebastian Norman and Brady Ebel home to put the U.S. ahead 13-0.
• Guam drew a bases loaded walk in the bottom of the fifth for its first and only run of the game.

NOTABLE

• Ryan Mitchell led the offense with four RBIs, going 2-for-3 with a double, a stolen base and two runs scored.
• Andrew Costello went 2-for-3 with one double, one triple, one walk, one stolen base and two runs scored.
• Ethan Holliday recorded two doubles to go with two RBIs on the day.
• Ryan Harwood had a two hit day, adding a stolen base and two runs scored.
• Alex Harrington was opportunistic on the base path, recording three steals.
• Chandler Hart recorded seven strikeouts in 3.0 innings of one hit ball.
• Alexander Mercurius earned the win in 1.0 innings of relief work, striking out one.
• Team USA moved to 3-0 in pool play and sits atop the Group C standings.

ON DECK
The 2022 15U National Team will wrap Pool Play in the WBSC U-15 Baseball World Cup facing off against Puerto Rico on August 29 at 10:30 a.m. at Estadio Hector Espino in Hermosillo, Mexico.

SOCIAL MEDIA
Stay tuned to @USABaseball15U on Twitter for the most up-to-date news about the 2022 15U National Team.

Box Score | PxP | Cumulative Stats

HERMOSILLO, Mexico. – The USA Baseball 15U National Team battled back to erase a four-run deficit, defeating Venezuela 5-4 on Saturday at Estadio Hector Espino in Hermosillo, Mexico. The win improved Team USA to 2-0 in World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) U-15 World Cup pool play.

The stars and stripes fell behind early due to errors but remained disciplined at the plate and used timely hitting to come away with the victory. Team USA scored once in the first and would not plate any more runs until the bottom of the seventh with two outs.

Venezuela capitalized on five errors to carry a 4-1 lead heading into the final frame. The red, white, and blue scored via walk, single, and a balk before Dane Perry (Friendswood, Texas) sent a single up the middle to end the game.

Coy James (Advance, N.C.) led the offense with three hits, two runs, and a stolen base. Ethan Holliday (Stillwater, Okla.) went 2-for-3 on the day and contributed an RBI. Brady Ebel (Rancho Cucamonga, Calif.) and John Short (Anaheim, Calif.) each had an RBI in the contest.

On the mound, Chase Bentley (Granite Bay, Calif.) got the start and went 4.2 innings, striking out three while only allowing two hits with no earned runs. Zane Burns (Chandler, Ariz.) earned the win during 1.2 innings of work where he didn’t allow a hit and struck out three.

HOW IT HAPPENED

• Two Team USA errors had Venezuela on the board first, as Aaron Pinero crossed the plate to put the visitors ahead 1-0.
• After a hit-by-pitch was called back, Brady Ebel made the most of it by sending a fly ball to left field, allowing Coy James to score, tying the game at 1-1.
• In the top of the second, with a runner in motion, Bolivar Martinez grounded out but the throw to third was wide allowing Luis Cova to extend Venezuela’s lead to 2-1.
• A double and a Team USA error put Venezuela ahead 4-1 in the top of the sixth inning.
• Coy James singled down the right field line to get on base and advanced on an error before stealing third while Brady Ebel drew a walk to put the U.S. within striking distance in the seventh.
• Sebastian Norman drew a walk to load the bases and John Short followed suit with a walk of his own to cut Venezuela’s lead to 4-2.
• Ethan Holliday hit a ball hard back to the pitcher who couldn’t handle it for an RBI-single to put Team USA within a run, 4-3.
• With the bases still loaded, Venezuela balked home the tying run.
• Dane Perry stepped to the plate for his first at-bat of the day and sent a ball back up the middle for the 5-4 walk off win.

NOTABLE

• Coy James had three of Team USA’s six hits, going 3-for-4 with a double, a stolen base, and two runs.
• Ethan Holliday went 2-for-3 with a walk and an RBI
• Chase Bentley started the game with 4.2 strong innings of work, allowing two hits, and recording three strikeouts with no earned runs.
• Zane Burns earned the win behind 1.2 innings of work, allowing no hits and striking out three.
• As a team, the stars and stripes drew eight walks compared to Venezuela’s three.

ON DECK
The 2022 15U National Team will continue Pool Play in the WBSC U-15 Baseball World Cup facing off against Guam on August 28 at 10:30 a.m. at Estadio Sonora in Hermosillo, Mexico.

SOCIAL MEDIA
Stay tuned to @USABaseball15U on Twitter for the most up-to-date news about the 2022 15U National Team.

Box Score | PxP | Cumulative Stats

HERMOSILLO, Mexico. – The 15U National Team opened the WBSC U-15 Baseball World Cup in record-breaking fashion during its 29-0 win over South Africa at Estadio Hector Espino in Hermosillo, Mexico.

The record books will now list the 2022 team as having the most runs in a single game (29), most walks in a single game (16), most stolen bases in a single game (12) and tied for the most home runs in a single game (2). The U.S. put up five runs in the first, six in the second, 10 in the third and eight in the fourth before the game was called in the fifth inning.

Pitchers John Short and Dane Perry held South Africa to one hit and recorded a combined 10 strikeouts.

Short also paced the offense with four RBI’s while going 1-for-2 with a walk and a run scored. Andrew Costello recorded USA’s first home run of the World Cup with a deep ball to left field in the bottom of the second. Alex Harrington was responsible for the other home run, with his coming inside-the-park in the bottom of the fourth. Coy James, Grady Emerson, and James Tronstein each had two hits on the day.

The win was a team effort as 11 different players recorded at least one RBI for USA.

HOW IT HAPPENED

• After Ryan Mitchell got on base to start the game, Coy James singled to center field and a throwing error scored Mitchell and had James standing on second.
• A wild pitch scored Coy James to make it 2-0, USA.
• John Short recorded his first RBI of the game with a sacrifice fly to plate Andrew Costello to make it 3-0, USA.
• Sebastian Norman tripled to deep left center to bring Ethan Holliday home and Norman was able to score on a throwing error to round out a five run first inning.
• In the bottom of the second, Ryan Mitchell and Coy James reached safely for Andrew Costello to bring them home by putting a ball over the left field wall to bring the score to 8-0.
• Ethan Holliday took advantage of a wild pitch making it 9-0, USA.
• James Tronstein singled home Sebastian Norman to bring the lead into the double-digits with USA leading 10-0.
• To close out a six-run second inning, Grady Emerson used a sacrifice fly to score James Tronstein making things 11-0, USA.
• Coy James got the scoring started in the third via a wild pitch to make it 12-0, USA.
• Ethan Holliday made the score 13-0 with a single up the middle, driving in Andrew Costello.
• Grady Emerson followed it up with a single to center field, scoring John Short and bringing the score to 14-0.
• Ryan Harwood entered the game and doubled down the right field line to drive in Sebastian Norman and Alex Harrington, making the score 16-0.
• Grady Emerson capitalized on a South Africa fielding error, scoring to make it 17-0.
• John Short cleared the bases with a single to left center, plating Ryan Harwood, Coy James, and Carson Bolemon making the scoreboard read 20-0, USA.
• Alex Harrington made sure the scoring continued in the bottom of the fourth with an inside-the-park home run, scoring James Tronstein to make it 23-0, USA.
• Coy James laced a triple to right center, scoring Grady Emerson to bring things to 24-0 in USA’s favor.
• Brady Murrieta joined the extra base hit party with a RBI-double scoring Coy James to increase USA’s lead to 25-0.
• Dane Perry entered the game with an RBI-single to bring Brady Murrietta home, making things 26-0, USA.
• James Tronstein reached on a fielder’s choice while Carson Bolemon crossed the plate to make it 27-0, USA.
• Dane Perry used a wild pitch to bring USA’s lead to 28-0.
• Ryan Harwood drew a walk and James Tronstein scored for USA’s final run with the scoreboard reading 29-0.

NOTABLE

• John Short got it done on both sides of the field, recording eight strikeouts and only allowing one hit in 4.0 innings pitched and he went 1-2 with four RBI and a run scored at the plate.
• Every time Coy James got on base he would cross the plate, recording five funs on 2-for-3 hitting with two RBI, two walks, two stolen bases and a triple.
• Alex Harrington worked the strike zone for three walks while going 1-for-2 with two RBI and an inside-the-park home run.
• In just two innings, Ryan Harwood made an impact with one hit, three RBI’s and a double.
• Andrew Costello recorded USA’s first home run of the tournament and went 1-for-2 with three RBI, two walks and two stolen bases.
• James Tronstein went 2-for-3 at the plate with two RBI and two stolen bases.
• Grady Emerson went 2-for3 with two RBI.

ON DECK
The 2022 15U National Team will continue Pool Play in the WBSC U-15 Baseball World Cup facing off against Venezuela on August 27 at 10:30 a.m. at Estadio Sonora in Hermosillo, Mexico.

SOCIAL MEDIA
Stay tuned to @USABaseball15U on Twitter for the most up-to-date news about the 2022 15U National Team.

TEMPE, Ariz. – After weather cancelled the first attempt, the 15U National Team played its first game on Monday against local AZ Sandlot and came away with a 7-5 victory.

A combination of smart at-bats, savvy base running and unselfish baseball secured the victory for Team USA. The victors recorded four stolen bases, drew five walks, and had two bunt singles on the night to go along with a sacrifice bunt and fly out. On defense, the pitching staff tallied six strikeouts with only three walks in 7.0 innings of work.

Grady Emerson singled over a charging first baseman to tie things up in the final frame and James Tronstein followed it up with a bunt single of his own and Sebastian Norman singled to give USA the 6-5 lead. Alex Harrington sent a sacrifice fly to center field to score what would be the final run of the game. Emerson ended the game going 2-3 with two RBI’s and a run scored.

HOW IT HAPPENED

• AZ Sandlot came out strong in the bottom of the first, loading the bases and capitalizing with a sacrifice fly. Chandler Hart settled in and recorded three straight outs to limit the damage to one run.
• In the top of the third, Brady Murrietta singled and advanced by a passed ball putting him in position to score when Ryan Mitchell reached on an error to tie the game 1-1.
• One batter later with Joshua Woodworth on base via walk, Coy James singled through the right side to give USA a 2-1 lead.
• In the top of the fourth, Andrew Costello singles and uses smart base running to help John Short reach on a fielder’s choice setting up an RBI-single by Grady Emerson to extend the lead to 3-1.
• Next batter, James Tronstein laid down a sacrifice bunt, scoring John Short making the score 4-1, USA.
• AZ Sandlot responded with a four-run bottom half of the inning to take back the lead, 5-4.
• In the final frame, Ethan Holliday kicked things off with a triple to the center field wall and after a John Short full-count walk, Grady Emerson used a bunt-single to tie things up at 5-5.
• Sebastian Norman broke the tie with an RBI-single a couple of batters later to give USA the 6-5 lead.
• Alex Harrington capped the inning with a sacrifice fly to center to give USA a 7-5 lead and Zane Burns closed the door in the ninth to secure the victory.

OF NOTE

• Grady Emerson led Team USA with two hits and two RBI’s.
• Andrew Costello led the team with two stolen bases and went 1-for-3 with a run scored.
• Ethan Holliday recorded USA’s only extra-base hit with a lead-off triple in the seventh inning
• Five different USA players recorded an RBI
• USA used seven pitchers in the game and recorded a total of nine strikeouts with only three walks
• Brady Ebel, Dane Perry, and Sebastian Norman each recorded two strikeouts in their inning of work.
• Zane Burns used two fly-outs and a strikeout to end the game

ON DECK
The 2022 15U National Team Training Camp will wrap up tomorrow with a morning workout before the team heads to Hermosillo, Mexico for the WBSC U-15 Baseball World Cup from August 26 – September 4.

SOCIAL MEDIA
Stay tuned to @USABaseball15U on Twitter for the most up-to-date news about the 2022 15U National Team Training Camp.

Tempe, Ariz. – USA Baseball today named the final 20-man roster for the 2022 15U National Team. The announcement comes with four days remaining of the 15U National Team Training Camp, which will continue at Tempe Diablo Stadium in Tempe, Arizona, through August 23.

The 15U National Team will look to defend its world title at the V World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) U-15 Baseball World Cup from August 26-September 4 in Hermosillo, Mexico. Team USA claimed its first world title in the 15-and-under age group in 2018 after defeating Panama 7-1 in front of a sold-out crowd at Estadio Kenny Serracin in David, Panama.

“This team will feature a group of dynamic position players who can play all over the field and a group of pitchers who offer both power and command,” said 15U National Team Manager Drew Briese. “I am excited about the mental toughness and high level of competitiveness in this group. During a grueling Training Camp, they displayed a desire to play, and win at a high level. I look forward to bringing this group together to represent the United States on an international stage.”

Two members of the 15U National Team have donned the stars and stripes before. Jack McKernan (Missouri City, Texas) and Alexander Mercurius (Las Vegas, Nev.) both played in the V WBSC U-12 Baseball World Cup as members of the 12U National Team in 2019. Additionally, five members of the 20-player roster have participated in the 13U/14U Athlete Development Program, including Brady Ebel (Rancho Cucamonga, Calif.), Ryan Harwood (Chandler, Ariz.), Coy James (Advance, N.C.), McKernan, and Brady Murrietta (Yorba Linda, Calif.).

This year’s roster features 14 players that participated in the USA Baseball National Team Championships in Arizona and North Carolina, the primary identification event for the 15U National Team. Additionally, four athletes were invited to Training Camp after their performances in the 13U/14U Athlete Development Program, including Grady Emerson (Argyle, Texas) and James Tronstein (Los Angeles, Calif.), who earned their invitations after competing in this year’s event from August 1-4 at the USA Baseball National Training Complex in Cary, North Carolina. Murrietta was selected from the National Team Identification Series.

Leading Team USA in the pursuit of a gold medal at the V WBSC U-15 Baseball World Cup is Manager Drew Briese. Briese is making his Team USA managerial debut after beginning his national team coaching career in 2016, serving as an assistant coach for the 15U National Team that earned bronze at the WBSC U-15 Baseball World Cup. Recently, Briese served as the field coordinator at the 2021 13U/14U Athlete Development Program and has held numerous other roles as a pitching coach, assistant coach, and evaluator for Team USA since 2013. He finished his sixth season as the head coach at his alma mater Centre College (Danville, Ky.) in 2022.

Joining Briese on the 15U National Team coaching staff in 2022 are assistant coaches Steve Butler and Jeff Sherman, as well as pitching coach Rob Shabansky.

Sixty-seven athletes were invited to the 15U National Team Training Camp, which began on August 13. During Phase I, players were divided into four teams and played three games apiece with workouts in between games. On August 17, the roster was trimmed to 34 athletes for Phase II and players participated in a two-game Stars vs. Stripes series, giving the coaching staff opportunities to evaluate, teach and observe players in live-game situations.

Training Camp will continue on Saturday, August 20 as Team USA will play exhibition games against GCU Thunder (August 21; 6 p.m. PT) and AZ Sandlot (August 22; 4:30 p.m. PT) before traveling to Mexico for the World Cup.

Fans are encouraged to follow along with the action by following @USABaseball15U on Twitter and @USABaseball on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

2022 15U National Team Roster

(Name; Position; Hometown)

• Chase Bentley; RHP; Granite Bay, Calif.
• Carson Bolemon; LHP/INF; Greenville, S.C.
• Zane Burns; RHP; Chandler, Ariz.
• Andrew Costello; C; Fairview, Pa.
• ^Brady Ebel; INF/RHP; Rancho Cucamonga, Calif.
• ^Grady Emerson; INF; Argyle, Texas
• Alex Harrington; INF; San Diego, Calif.
• Chandler Hart; LHP; Allen, Texas
• ^Ryan Harwood; RHP/INF; Chandler, Ariz.
• Ethan Holliday; INF; Stillwater, Okla.
• ^Coy James; INF/RHP; Advance, N.C.
• *^Jack McKernan; LHP/OF; Missouri City, Texas
• *Alexander Mercurius; RHP; Las Vegas, Nev.
• Ryan Mitchell; INF; Germantown, Tenn.
• ^Brady Murrietta; C; Yorba Linda, Calif.
• Sebastian Norman; OF/RHP; Springfield, Mo.
• Dane Perry; C/RHP; Friendswood, Texas
• John Short; INF/RHP/OF; Anaheim, Calif.
• ^James Tronstein; INF; Los Angeles, Calif.
• Joshua Woodworth; INF/RHP; Ventura, Calif.

_ * denotes national team alumni_

^ denotes national team development programs participant

CARY, N.C - USA Baseball today announced its 15U National Team Training Camp Phase II roster, highlighting the next step in the process for selecting the 2022 15U National Team. After three days of evaluation, 34 athletes have been selected to continue competing for one of 20 spots on the final 15U National Team roster from August 17-23 at Tempe Diablo Stadium in Tempe, Arizona.

The 15U National Team will look to defend its world title at the V WBSC U-15 Baseball World Cup from August 26-September 4 in Hermosillo, Mexico. Team USA claimed its first world title at the 15-and-under age group in 2018 after defeating Panama 7-1 in front of a sold-out crowd at Estadio Kenny Serracin in David, Panama.

Selected athletes were invited to Training Camp based on their performance at one of four USA Baseball sanctioned events, including the 14U and 15U National Team Championships as well as the USA Baseball National Team Identification Series.

Leading Team USA in 2022 is Manager Drew Briese, who is making his Team USA managerial debut. He began his national team coaching career in 2016 when he served as an assistant coach for the 15U National Team, where he helped lead the stars and stripes to a bronze medal at the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) U-15 Baseball World Cup. Most recently, Briese served as the field coordinator at the 2021 13U/14U Athlete Development Program (ADP) and has held numerous other roles as a pitching coach, assistant coach, and evaluator for Team USA since 2013. He finished his sixth season as the head coach at his alma mater Centre College (Danville, Ky.) in 2022.

Joining Briese on the 15U National Team coaching staff in 2022 are assistant coaches Steve Butler and Jeff Sherman, as well as pitching coach Rob Shabansky.

Fans can follow along with the action by following @USABaseball15U on Twitter and @USABaseball on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

The 2022 15U National Team Training Camp Phase II Roster is as follows:

2022 15U National Team Training Camp Phase II Roster

(Name; Position; Hometown)

• Chase Bentley; RHP; Granite Bay, Calif.
• Carson Bolemon; LHP/INF; Greenville, S.C.
• Nicholas Bradley; RHP; Clarks Summit, Pa.
• Zane Burns; RHP; Chandler, Ariz.
• Andrew Costello; C; Fairview, Pa.
• ^Brady Ebel; INF/RHP; Rancho Cucamonga, Calif.
• Grady Emerson; INF; Argyle, Texas
• Lucas Franco; INF; Katy, Texas
• ^Dean Hannah; C/INF; China Spring, Texas
• Alex Harrington; INF; San Diego, Calif.
• Chandler Hart; LHP; Allen, Texas
• *Josiah Hartshorn; INF/OF; Anaheim Hills, Calif.
• ^Ryan Harwood; RHP/INF; Chandler, Ariz.
• Ethan Holliday; INF; Stillwater, Okla.
• ^Coy James; INF/RHP; Advance, N.C.
• *Brenden Lewis; INF/RHP; Santee, Calif.
• Jacob Lombard; INF; Pinecrest, Fla.
• *^Jack McKernan; LHP/OF; Missouri City, Texas
• *Alexander Mercurius; RHP; Las Vegas, Nev.
• Ryan Mitchell; INF; Germantown, Tenn.
• Anthony Murphy; OF; Corona, Calif.
• ^Brady Murrietta; C; Yorba Linda, Calif.
• Sebastian Norman; OF/RHP; Springfield, Mo.
• Dane Perry; C/RHP; Friendswood, Texas
• ^Kruz Schoolcraft; LHP; Beaverton, Ore.
• ^Miles Scott; OF; Anaheim Hills, Calif.
• Omar Serna; C/RHP; Pearland, Texas
• Rookie Shepard; C/INF; North Las Vegas, Nev.
• John Short; INF/RHP/OF; Anaheim, Calif.
• Miguel Sime Jr.; RHP; Queens Village, N.Y.
• ^Titan Targac; LHP; Flatonia, Texas
• James Tronstein; INF; Los Angeles, Calif.
• Ethan Wheeler; RHP; Middleburg, Fla.
• Joshua Woodworth; INF/RHP; Ventura, Calif.

* denotes national team alumna

^ denotes National Team Development Program participant

The World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) today revealed the groups, schedule and tournament format of the V WBSC U-15 Baseball World Cup, which will take place from August 26 to September 4 in Hermosillo, Mexico.

Based on results from the qualifiers and allocation of wild cards, the world championship event in Hermosillo will feature the world's best teams and players in the respective youth category:

• Africa (1) No. 26 South Africa
• Americas (7) No. 4 Mexico, No. 5 USA, No. 6 Venezuela, No. 9 Cuba, No. 11 Colombia, No. 13 Panama, No. 16 Puerto Rico,
• Asia (2) No. 1 Japan, No. 2 Chinese Taipei
• Europe (2) No. 13 Czech Republic, No. 22 France
• Oceania (1) No. 38 Guam

The V U-15 Baseball World Cup this year will feature 13 teams. In addition to the host and the 11 teams qualified/confirmed via the Continental Associations, the WBSC, together with the LOC, invited the defending champions USA after the cancellation of the 2020 edition, in which the USA Baseball 15U National Team had already qualified.

The 13 teams will be split into three groups to open the tournament:

• Group A: Mexico, Chinese Taipei, Cuba and Czech Republic
• Group B: Panama, Japan, Colombia and France
• Group C: USA, South Africa, Venezuela, Puerto Rico, Guam

Opening Day is set for August 26, with the Opening Ceremony scheduled at 6.30 pm local time. Two games will officially open the U-15 Baseball World Cup at 10:30 a.m. local time, when South Africa squares off against USA and Puerto Rico takes on Venezuela.

The top two finishers of each group in the Opening Round will advance to the Super Round from August 31 to September 2.

First- and second-place finishers from the Super Round will compete for the U-15 Baseball World Title, while third- and fourth-place national teams will play for bronze. The Finals are scheduled on September 4.

CARY, N.C - USA Baseball today announced its roster for the 2022 15U National Team Training Camp, following the conclusion of the 2022 National Team Championships in Arizona and North Carolina. The 64 athletes will compete for one of 20 spots on the final 15U National Team roster from August 14-23 at Tempe Diablo Stadium in Tempe, Arizona.

Selected athletes were invited to Training Camp based on their performance at one of four USA Baseball sanctioned events, including the 14U and 15U National Team Championships. Thirty of this year’s Training Camp selections participated in the event in North Carolina, while 15 competed in Arizona. Thirteen other athletes were chosen from the USA Baseball National Team Identification Series (NTIS) Champions Cup last August, and four earned invitations from last year’s 13U/14U Athlete Development Program (ADP).

The 2022 13U/14U ADP will take place from August 1-4 at the USA Baseball National Training Complex in Cary, North Carolina, where eight athletes will also earn invitations to the 15U National Team Training Camp.

“We are thrilled to announce the first sixty-four athletes for the 15U National Team Training Camp,” said USA Baseball Executive Director and CEO Paul Seiler. “Our coaches and task force members have identified the best ballplayers in the country, and I am confident they will exemplify all the qualities we are looking for in future members of Team USA.”

Highlighting the Training Camp roster are Gavin Fien (Temecula, Calif.), Rashad Hayes (Oakland, Calif.), Jaiden Lo Re (Phoenix, Ariz.), and Jack McKernan (Missouri City, Texas), who were all members of both the 2019 12U National Team and participants at the 2021 13U/14U ADP. In total, the roster features seven USA Baseball national team alumni and 13 players from last year’s 13U/14U ADP.

The roster features players from 24 different states across the country. California leads the way with 17 selections, followed by Texas with 11.

Leading Team USA in 2022 is Manager Drew Briese, who will make his Team USA managerial debut. He began his national team coaching career in 2016 when he served as an assistant coach for the 15U National Team, where he helped lead the stars and stripes to a bronze medal at the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) U-15 Baseball World Cup. Most recently, Briese served as the field coordinator at the 2021 13U/14U Athlete Development Program (ADP) and has held numerous other roles as a pitching coach, assistant coach, and evaluator for Team USA since 2013. He finished his sixth season as the head coach at his alma mater Centre College (Danville, Ky.) in 2022.

Joining Briese on the 15U National Team coaching staff in 2022 will be assistant coaches Steve Butler and Jeff Sherman, as well as pitching coach Rob Shabansky.

Fans can follow along with the action by following @USABaseball15U on Twitter and @USABaseball on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

The 2022 15U National Team Training Camp Roster is as follows:

2022 15U National Team Training Camp Roster

(Name; Position; Hometown)

• Bruin Agbayani; INF; Mililani, Hawaii
• Aiden Arnett; OF; Stoughton, Wis.
• Chase Bentley; RHP; Granite Bay, Calif.
• David Bernstine; INF; Vallejo, Calif.
• Carson Bolemon; LHP/INF; Greenville, S.C.
• Nicholas Bradley; RHP; Clarks Summit, Pa.
• Zane Burns; RHP; Chandler, Ariz.
• Marcus Cantu; INF/OF; Friendswood, Texas
• Deion Cole; OF; Acworth, Ga.
• Andrew Costello; C; Fairview, Pa.
• Justice De Jong; RHP/INF; New York, N.Y.
• *John Dolan; C/INF; Kailua, Hawaii
• Ethan Downum; LHP/OF; Frisco, Texas
• ^Brady Ebel; INF/RHP; Rancho Cucamonga, Calif.
• Hayden Elchlepp; OF; Bakersfield, Calif.
• Magdiel Estevez; OF/LHP; Miami, Fla.
• *^Gavin Fien; INF; Temecula, Calif.
• Lucas Franco; INF; Katy, Texas
• Cody Freitas; RHP; Bourbonnais, Ill.
• Hamilton Friedberg; OF; Lakewood, Calif.
• Gian Gamelli; LHP/INF; Wenham, Mass.
• ^Dean Hannah; C/INF; China Spring, Texas
• Alex Harrington; INF; San Diego, Calif.
• Hunter Harrington; OF; San Diego, Calif.
• Brayden Harris; RHP; Orange Park, Fla.
• Chandler Hart; LHP; Allen, Texas
• ^Ryan Harwood; RHP/INF; Chandler, Ariz.
• *^Rashad Hayes; OF; Oakland, Calif.
• Ethan Holliday; INF; Stillwater, Okla.
• Reid Jacobson; INF/RHP; Albuquerque, N.M.
• Brayden Jaksa; C; Fremont, Calif.
• ^Coy James; INF/RHP; Advance, N.C.
• Finn Leach; INF; Seattle, Wash.
• Lyndon Lee; INF/OF; Las Vegas, Nev.
• *Brenden Lewis; INF/RHP; Santee, Calif.
• *^Jaiden Lo Re; INF/RHP/C; Phoenix, Ariz.
• Jacob Lombard; INF; Pinecrest, Fla.
• Danny Machado; INF/RHP; Pembroke Pines, Fla.
• *^Jack McKernan; LHP/OF; Missouri City, Texas
• *Alexander Mercurius; RHP; Las Vegas, Nev.
• Anthony Murphy; OF; Corona, Calif.
• ^Brady Murrietta; C; Yorba Linda, Calif.
• Sebastian Norman; OF/RHP; Springfield, Mo.
• ^Luke Pappano; LHP/OF; Cincinnati, Ohio
• Dane Perry; C/RHP; Friendswood, Texas
• Beau Peterson; RHP/INF; Shawnee, Kan.
• Davidenko Rodriguez; INF/OF; Katy, Texas
• Jack Ryan; RHP; Cincinnati, Ohio
• ^Kruz Schoolcraft; LHP; Beaverton, Ore.
• ^Miles Scott; OF; Anaheim Hills, Calif.
• Sebastian Segura; INF; Spring, Texas
• Omar Serna; C/RHP; Pearland, Texas
• Rookie Shepard; C/INF; North Las Vegas, Nev.
• John Short; INF/RHP/OF; Anaheim, Calif.
• Miguel Sime Jr.; RHP; Queens Village, N.Y.
• Jacob Smith; INF/RHP; Winston Salem, N.C.
• Shawn Sullivan; RHP; Barberton, Ohio
• ^Titan Targac; LHP; Flatonia, Texas
• Tate Troxell; RHP; Noblesville, Ind.
• Mason Tymick; RHP; Torrance, Calif.
• Hunter Watson; RHP; Tuttle, Okla.
• Ethan Wheeler; RHP; Middleburg, Fla.
• John Austin Wood; C/INF; Tupelo, Miss.
• Joshua Woodworth; INF/RHP; Ventura, Calif.

* denotes national team alumna

^ denotes National Team Development Program participant