CARTERSVILLE, Ga. – The 15U National Team picked up its first win of the week in a 6-1 exhibition game victory over East Cobb Thursday evening at Georgia Highlands College. This tune-up precedes the team’s five-game International Friendship Series against Australia beginning Sunday, September 8.
In a game purposed for preparation, Team USA got the week started off on the right foot with a five-run victory over the Astros. Nearly the entire roster saw action in Cartersville, as the squad not only proved its offensive capabilities, but flashed leather in the field as well. Discipline at the plate by Rocco Maniscalco and Jacob Seamon led to timely two-out, run-producing base hits. Meanwhile, stellar defensive plays by Parker Leoff and Jared Grindlinger kept East Cobb’s offense at bay and set the tone early for the squad.
Despite a show of nerves early, Team USA quickly picked up steam in the second inning and scored a run or more in four straight frames. On the flip side, East Cobb mustered only one run and four hits through seven complete as the U.S.’s arms and gloves were sufficient in silencing the opponents. Jeremiah Hall and Maniscalco each notched 1-for-3 performances while collecting an RBI apiece.
HOW IT HAPPENED
- Two shutout frames from Gavin McKain allowed Team USA to open the scoring in the bottom half of the second via a sacrifice fly off the bat of Andrew Jimenez to drive in Dexter McCleon Jr.
- After Leoff ripped a double deep to left in the third, Maniscalco found the center field grass later in the inning and put up another one spot for the U.S.
- East Cobb got a run back in the fourth, however back-to-back singles set the stage for a huge two-out, two-RBI double by Seamon**,** giving Team USA a multi-run lead once again.
- Cooper Collins led off in the fifth frame and did so in fashion, legging out a triple and putting the U.S. in a position to widen the lead. Carter Shouse’s sacrifice fly followed by Jeremiah Hall’s RBI scored two runs and cemented a 6-1 victory for Team USA.
NOTABLES
- Eight different U.S. batters picked up a hit in today’s win while the team’s six RBIs were distributed among five players.
- Six pitchers saw time on the mound for the United States while all six allowed two or fewer hits.
- Shouse, Chase Cotton, and Isaac Vidal each tossed 1.0 inning without allowing a hit.
- McCleon Jr. led the team in runs scored (2) while Seamon led all players in RBIs (2).
ON DECK
The 15U National Team kicks off a five-game set against Australia this Sunday, September 9, at 1:00 p.m. ET. Fans can follow live stats on GameChanger while the games will also be live streamed to the USA Baseball YouTube channel.
SOCIAL MEDIA
To follow along with all the action with the 15U National Team, be sure to follow @USABaseball15U on Twitter and @USABaseball on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter.
