CHICAGO- Propelled by a six-run sixth inning, another dominant offensive performance helped Stripes to a 15-5 victory in Game 3 the 17U National Team Development Program at Wrigley Field on Wednesday.
Pete Crow-Armstrong led the Stripes at the plate, going 4-for-4 with a pair of doubles, three RBI and three runs scored. Yohandy Morales added a monstrous 3-run home run in the sixth that found its way onto Waveland Avenue.
The scoring started in the top of the first with back-to-back hits by Carter Young and Crow-Armstrong. Young singled to lead off the game followed by Crow-Armstrong's first double to drive him in. Dylan Crews plated Crow-Armstrong and Austin Hendrick scored on a double steal to give Stripes the early 3-0 lead.
Starters Nelson Berkwich and Victor Mederos would hold the score there until the bottom of the fourth when Stars would answer with three runs of their own to tie the game.
Kellum Clark tallied the first Stars hit and RBI of the game when he singled home courtesy runner Jordan Rollins after Blake Shapen walked to lead off the frame. Rollins would steal second and advance to third on a passed ball. Clark would score on a Drew Romo single and Carson Tucker would cross after doubling and being driven in by Enrique Bradfield.
Neither team would score in the fifth before the Stripes exploded for six runs in the following frame, all coming with two outs. Colten Keith would single to score Morales after a leadoff walk. Young and Crow-Armstrong would line back-to-back run-scoring singles before Hendrick and Crews would blast a double and a triple, respectively, to bring home the final runs of the inning.
Stars would get one back in the bottom of the seventh when Drew Bowser singled to open the inning. After advancing to third, Gavin Casas grounded out to drive in Bowser.
After Crow-Armstrong drove in the Stripes' 10th run in the top of the eighth, Crews walked to put two on for Morales, who took advantage, blasting a huge homer that left the yard, making the score 13-4.
After adding two more runs for insurance in the top of the ninth, the Stars could only force one run home in the bottom.
Stars starter Nelson Berkwich went 4.2 innings, allowing just the three runs in the first on four hits and one walk. Berkwich also struck out two.
Victor Mederos stayed right on pace for Stripes, tossing 4.0 innings and allowing three runs on four hits. Mederos also struck out two.
Aaron Nixon earned the win in relief, going 4.0 innings and allowing one earned run on three hits and no walks.
The 17U National Team Development Program will finish up with Game 4 of the series on Thursday, when the Stars and Stripes will face off at Miller Park in Milwaukee. First pitch is set for 4:30 p.m. CT.