CARY, N.C. - In the final championship game of the 2018 National Team Identification Series (NTIS), Southwest captured its first gold medal of the tournament with a 6-2 win over Southern California on Sunday, August 26 at Thomas Brooks Park. After tying the game at one in the third inning, Southwest sent a runner home in all but one of the following innings en route to the title. 

Following a swift three up, three down top half of the first inning for Southwest, Southern California shortstop Branden Carrillo tallied the first run of the game on a wild pitch.
In the top of the third inning, Southwest tied the game at one run a piece courtesy of an RBI single to left field from the extra hitter Colton Christman. 
With the game still tied in the top of the fourth with two outs, Southwest was able to take the lead for good. Following two walks, third baseman Gavin Hottle sent an RBI single to right field, and righty Brody James was able to cross the plate on an error to give Southwest a two-run lead headed into the bottom half of the frame. 
Southern California was able to cut the deficit to just one when left fielder Gary Morse III sent a runner home in the bottom of the fourth, but a ground out to the shortstop ended the inning. 
Southwest was able to get the run right back and more to open the fifth, as a Christman ground out scored first baseman Ryan Harwood and a bases loaded walk cushioned their lead 5-2. 
A bases loaded walk in the top of the seventh inning tallied the final run of the game, and Southwest went home with the gold.  
Southwest pitcher Brody James was lights out on the mound, lasting seven innings while allowing just four hits and two runs with four strikeouts and just one walk. 
A trio of Southwest players (Christman, Harwood and Hottle) managed multiple hits to lead the team offensively.  
Estevan Rodriguez led Southern California at the plate, going 2-for-3.
For more information about the 2018 NTIS, visit the USA Baseball team page or follow along on Twitter @USABaseballNTIS.