Team USA got four runs in the middle innings to knock off China 4-1 in the second game of their five game series. Team USA was led on the mound by Josh Romanski (San Diego), Brett Hunter (Pepperdine), and Cody Satterwhite (Ole Miss). Romanski started for Team USA and went four innings while giving up one run on six hits with six strikeouts. He ended up getting a no decision as Brett Hunter (1-0) picked up the win by going the middle four innings without allowing a run on one hit and two walks. Cody Satterwhite pitched a perfect ninth inning to get his fourth save. Pedro Alvarez (Vanderbilt) went 2-4 with a run scored to lead the offensive attack for the national team. Brett Wallace (Arizona State) got a run-scoring double to help the offensive attack. Team USA and China will play on Wednesday at 7 pm in Birmingham (AL).

Team USA Recap

The Valley League has released players of the week for July 23rd. Ryan Sontag and Luke Greinke each were named Players of the week while Wade Korpi and Zac Blakney were named Pitchers of the Week. Ryan Sontag of Arizona State hit .433 last week in seven games while scoring nine runs, getting 13 hits, and driving in six runners. Luke Greinke of Auburn hit .619 last week while leading the league with 13 hits. Wade Korpi of Notre Dame pitched seven shutout innings last week while only allowing three hits as he led his team to a victory on Saturday night. Zac Blakney of the University of Montevallo threw six shutout innings while giving up only five hits and a walk with 10 strikeouts.

Valley League Release

Kendall Rogers of Rivals.com checks in with an article about Team USA and how successful the team has been this summer. They are currently in the midst of a five-game set against China coming off a silver medal finish in the Pan-Am Games. Before the Pan-Am Games, Team USA dropped a five game series to Japan which is the first time the National team had dropped a series to Japan. They will head to the World Port Tournament in Holland after finishing their series with China, Netherlands, and Russia over the next three weeks.

Team USA Article

Starting Pitcher Tyson Ross (Cal-Berkeley) of Team USA is having a solid summer with a 2-0 record and a 1.19 ERA. The Cal Sports Quarterly has written an excellent article about how Ross came through the Cal Baseball Camps as a youngster and is now pitching for his favorite team.

Cal Sports Quarterly Article

According to multiple sources, The University of Maine has picked up four transfers for the 2008 season. Joe Mercurio is coming from Illinois where he was the backup to All-American catcher Lars Davis. Mercurio was only able to get into eleven games while only starting three games. (The Baseball Zealot has more on Mercurio.) The Black Bears also picked up High Point University right-hander Joe Miller. he pitched in only six games in 2007 while making one start with no record and a 8.31 ERA. The other two players are Greg Doogan and Tony Patane who played with UConn-Avery Point in 2007. Doogan is a 6′5 230 pound right-hander while Patane is a 6′0 shortstop from New Milford CT. It should be interesting to see how this Maine program does under second year head coach Steve Trimper who led the program to a disappointing 22-31 record in his first year.

The Cape Cod Baseball League has released their weekly Player of the Week awards for the week ending on July 20th. Chatham starting pitcher Tom Milone (USC) picked up the Coca-Cola Pitcher of the Week award after pitching 15 innings over two games while only giving up two hits and one earned run. The Coca-Cola Player of the Week was Falmouth’s David Adams (UVA) who hit .524 with six RBI last week. The Cape Cod League All-Star game will take place on Saturday and I hope everyone in the New England area make the trip down to Wareham to see some great baseball.

Cape Cod Baseball League Week 6 Report

Mike Minor (Vanderbilt) pitched six strong innings while striking out twelve batters to lead Team USA to a 10-0 victory in seven innings over China in Mobile AL. The offense was led by Jordan Danks (Texas) who went 2-3 with two runs scored. Pedro Alvarez (Vanderbilt) and Roger Kieschnick (Texas Tech) each homered in the game also. Team USA will be back in action on Tuesday when they face off against China again in Mobile AL.

Team USA Recap

FROM PRESS RELEASE
CAPE COD, Mass. — Fans of the Cape Cod Baseball League will be able to watch 44 of the nation’s best collegiate baseball players compete against one another at Wareham’s Spillane Field in the 2007 Under Armour Cape League All-Star Game.

The 45th annual CCBL All-Star Game is presented by the leading banks of Cape Cod — Bank of America, TD Banknorth, Eastern Bank, Cape Cod Cooperative Bank, Cape Cod Five Cents Savings Bank, and Citizens Bank — for the fifth straight year and is scheduled to begin at 6:00 p.m. on July 28.

Prior to the game, there will be a number of fan-friendly activities starting at 1:45 p.m., with the East team taking batting practice while the West Division All-Stars sign autographs. At 2:30 the teams will swap positions, followed by infield practice for the East at 3:30 and the West at 3:45.

The Home Run Hitting Contest, won last year and defended this year by Bourne’s Mitch Moreland (Mississippi State), will be held prior to the game and is scheduled to begin at 4:00 p.m. Players will be introduced at 5:15, followed by the presenting of the colors, the National Anthem, and finally the ceremonial first pitch at 5:50 p.m.

The game will be broadcast live on National Public Radio, and can be heard on local FM stations WCAI 90.1, WNAN 91.1, and WZAI 94.3. NESN will also be at the game and will air the tape on Monday night at 7 p.m., when the Boston Red Sox have an off night.

The last time that the Cape Cod Baseball League All-Star Game was held in Wareham, in 1999, the West defeated the East 6-4 and current major league stars Mark Teixeira (Orleans) and Garrett Atkins (Cotuit) were the MVPs from the East and West, respectively.

The future major league stars who will play at Spillane Field in 2007 were announced this morning after being picked by the 10 field managers. Leading the way in each division are Falmouth and Yarmouth-Dennis, with seven selections apiece.

One of the easy picks for the coaches was surely Gordon Beckham (Georgia), who is currently batting at .311 with eight home runs and a league-leading 25 RBIs. His hot start at the plate has helped the Red Sox explode to a 20-9-1 record, best in the league. Earning the start for the East is another Red Sox standout, 6-foot-8 Eddie Burns (Georgia Tech), who is 4-0 on the season with a 2.25 ERA and 28 strikeouts.

Other starters for the East are Brewster’s first baseman Yonder Alonso (Miami) and left fielder Charlie Cutler (California); Harwich second baseman Cole Figueroa (Florida); Y-D catcher Jason Castro (Stanford) and center fielder Collin Cowgill (Kentucky); Chatham third baseman Jermaine Curtis (UCLA) and designated hitter Allan Dykstra (Wake Forest); and Orleans right fielder Dennis Raben (Miami).

Reserves for the East include Red Sox catcher Buster Posey (Florida State), first baseman Sean Ochinko (Louisiana State), and closer Nick Cassavechia (Baylor); Mariners outfielder Kyle Day (Michigan State) and pitchers Corey Young (Seton Hall), and Evan Crawford (Auburn); Whitecaps outfielder Blake Tekotte (Miami) and pitchers Mike Colla (Arizona) and Matt Couch (San Diego); and Cardinals pitchers Will Atwood (South Carolina), Brad Boxberger (Southern California) and Ryan Perry (Arizona).

The West starters are led by Bourne Braves second baseman Kevin Hoef (Iowa), who is currently hitting at .350 with eight stolen bases on the season, and Ben Guez (William and Mary), who has a division-best 23 RBIs. Right-handed pitcher Aaron Crow (Missouri) has earned the start for the West after posting a 3-1 record with a 0.64 ERA and 25 strikeouts.

Joining those three in the starting lineup will be Wareham catcher Josh Phegley (Indiana); Hyannis first baseman Shane Peterson (Long Beach State) and designated hitter Dan Brewer (Bradley); Falmouth third baseman Conor Gillaspie (Wichita State), left fielder Aja Barto (Tulane) and right fielder Matt Hague (Washington); and Cotuit shortstop Reese Havens (South Carolina).

On the bench to start the game for the West will be Cotuit catcher Robert Stock (Southern California) and pitcher Josh Lindblom (Purdue); Hyannis infielder James Darnell (South Carolina) and closer Tyler Stohr (North Florida); Bourne outfielder Josh Satin (California) and pitchers Jordan Flasher (George Mason) and T.J. Hose (East Carolina); Falmouth pitchers Kyle Gibson (Missouri) and Christian Friedrich (Eastern Kentucky); and Wareham pitchers Wade Miley (SE Louisiana) and Chris Hicks (Georgia Tech).

The East team will be managed by Y-D’s Scott Pickler, who will be assisted by Bob Macaluso, John Schiffner, Steve Englert and Kelly Nicholson. The West coaching staff will be headed up by Wareham’s Cooper Farris, who will be assisted by Mike Roberts, Harvey Shapiro, Jeff Trundy, and Greg King.

Enjoying its 123rd season in 2007, the 10-team Cape League originated in 1885 with individual town teams, was reorganized into the Cape Cod Baseball League in 1923 with teams in Chatham, Falmouth, Hyannis and Osterville and is now the premier collegiate baseball summer league in the country.

A total of 198 former Cape Leaguers currently perform in the major leagues, including former Cy Young Award winner Barry Zito (Wareham ‘97-’98), former MVP Frank Thomas (Orleans ‘88), former AL batting champion Nomar Garciaparra (Orleans ‘93), and current Boston Red Sox captain Jason Varitek (Hyannis ‘91 & ‘93).

Cape League alumni of yesteryear include Baseball Hall of Famer Harold “Pie” Traynor (Falmouth ‘19), former New York Yankee greats Red Rolfe (Orleans ‘30) and Thurman Munson (Chatham ‘67), Cy Young Award winner Mike Flanagan (Falmouth ‘72), Rolaids Fireman-of-the-Year Jeff Reardon (Cotuit ‘74-76), former AL MVP Mo Vaughn (Wareham ‘87-88), long-time major league scout Lennie Merullo (Barnstable ‘35) and major league Manager of the Year Nat “Buck” Showalter (Hyannis ‘76).

MLB.com has released a great article about Daniel Moskos. He was the number 4 overall pick in the 2007 draft out of Clemson University. He made the mid-season switch to the starting rotation from the closer’s role. The article also discusses how influential Moskos‘ family was during his development by moving the family all over the country. The article is available here.

PRESS RELEASE
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL— Cuba’s Adiel Palma struck out 19 over two starts at the Pan American Games, including nine Americans on Friday morning, to lead Cuba (4-1 Pan Am) to a 3-1 win and gold medal over Team USA (15-6, 4-1 Pan Am).

Palma gave up just four hits over eight and two-thirds, as Cuba won its 12th gold medal since the start of the games in 1951, while Team USA won their ninth silver medal. Palma retired the final eight batters he faced, facing just three over the minimum.

“It was a tough loss, but I thought we played well,” said Manager Mike Weathers, who has won three silver medals against Cuba, as a player (1970), assistant (2003) and manager (2007). “ We couldn’t solve their pitching. Both teams played very well. We should be very proud to win a silver medal. We overcame a lot and accomplished many things. These guys will take home a lot of memories.”

Closer Pedro Lazo struck out three in a row, before Pedro Alvarez (Vanderbilt) came through with a two-out base hit in the ninth. Justin Smoak (South Carolina) then flew out to center to end the contest.

Jordan Danks (Texas) broke up Palma’s perfect game to lead off the fourth inning after the U.S. trailed 3-0. Danks scored on a two-out single by Smoak to cut the lead to 3-1.

A two-out double by Alex Mayeta in the third gave the Cubans an early 2-0 lead. A two-out infield single in the fourth plated another run to give Cuba a 3-0 advantage.

American starter Jacob Thompson (1-2, Virginia) last just the first four innings, giving up three runs on seven hits, surrendering his first earned runs of the summer. Four U.S. pitchers did not allow a run the rest of the way.

U.S. PAN AMERICAN NOTES
Team USA won their only gold medal in 1967 in Canada and have medaled in 16 of 18 games… Team USA came into the final game batting .303 as a team in Brazil, managing just five hits in the final game.

UPCOMING SCHEDULE
The Americans return to the U.S. later today as they begin a five-game series with China starting on July 22 and 24 in Mobile, AL… Team USA will then head North to Birmingham, Rome, GA and Ft. Mill, SC before finishing off the nine-game American trip with the Netherlands and Russia in North Carolina… the team closes out their schedule at the World Port Tournament in the Netherlands starting on August 2… Mexico and Nicaragua were awarded dual bronze medals, not playing the consolation game.

The AP is reporting that the United States might have to forfeit their Gold Medal Game against Cuba that is supposed to be played Friday morning due to the fact that the USA team has to leave Rio de Janeiro Friday evening to get back to the States to take on China. It is possible that Friday’s game could be pushed back till Saturday or Sunday because the field is in horrible condition and is not usually used for baseball as Brazil is still an up and coming country in baseball.

AP Article

The Samford Bulldogs have picked up a transfer from Mississippi State in Michael Rutledge. He played in 69 games last season for the Bulldogs while advancing to the College World Series. Rutledge should provide leadership for the Samford program hopefully leading them to a Ohio Valley Conference Championship in 2008.

The Gold Medal Game between Team USA and Cuba has been moved to Friday. The game is tentatively scheduled to start at 9am on Friday but it is a game-time decision as the field is in some poor shape. Stay tuned to The College Baseball Blog for the most up to date information on Team USA.

Team USA Release

Press Release

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL— Cody Satterwhite (Ole Miss) saved both ends of Team USA’s (15-5, 4-0 Pan Am Games) doubleheader at the Pan American Games, defeating Brazil 7-5 in the play-in game and then moving onto the Gold Medal Game following a 2-1 victory over Mexico. The Americans, who have won one gold medal (1967) and eight silver medals since 1951 at these Games, will face Cuba, who won their pool following a 4-0 victory over Nicaragua.

“Our goal for the summer was to play for a goal medal, and that’s where we are at,” said Manager Mike Weathers. “To win a double header in international play, is very difficult, and I’m proud of our guys today and the obstacles they had to face. We will be ready to go tomorrow.”

Logan Forsythe (Arkansas) had two multi-hit games today, giving him four for the Games, as he went 3-for-4 with the game-winning RBI against Mexico, after going 2-for-3 with a key two-run single against Brazil.

“I felt good today. Playing for a gold medal means a lot,” said Satterwhite. “Good hitting got us into the finals, and we continue to play well.”

Brian Matusz (1-0, San Diego) threw six and one third innings in the semifinal win, giving it over to the bullpen with a 2-1 lead after giving just three hits and five strikeouts. Francisco Campos countered with two runs on seven hits, pitching into the seventh, taking the loss for Mexico.

“It was exciting to pitch in a semifinal game, maybe outside the gold medal, our most important game,” said Matusz. “I didn’t know a lot about Mexico, but I knew they had some power by the way they swung the bat. My off speed pitch was not great, but I was spotting my fastball and my changeup was getting grounders and popups.”

USA reliever Brett Hunter retired six in a row and two and one-third overall, before Benjamin Gil hit a two-out double in the ninth. Satterwhite, after walking a batter, got a lineout of Ivan Terrazas to pick up his third save of the summer.

Team USA took a 2-1 lead on Mexico in the fifth with an RBI double by Roger Kieschnick (Texas Tech) and an RBI single from Forsythe.

The Americans guaranteed the No. 1 seed in Pool A earlier in the day, holding on for a 7-5 win over host Brazil, thanks to a five-run seventh inning.

Joe Kelly (1-0, UC Riverside) got the win in relief, as Satterwhite came on with the bases loaded and no outs with a three-run lead in the ninth and got the save.

Claudio Yamada, the third of four pitchers in the seventh, threw eight-straight balls to walk the go-ahead run in for the Americans to ignite the inning. A Forsythe two-run single followed, before a Pedro Alvarez (Vanderbilt) double made it 7-2.

Ryan Berry (Rice) gave up four hits and two runs over five and one third innings, but walked five, as the Americans tied the game in the sixth and second innings.

U.S. PAN AMERICAN NOTES
The Americans have won a medal in 14 out of the previous 16 games since the games started in 1951. They won their only gold medal in 1967 in Canada, and finished a runner-up another eight times. In their last series in 2003, when Manager Mike Weathers and assistant Mark Scalf were assistants, Team USA finished with a silver medal to Cuba… Team USA’s pitching staff was called for 12 walks on Wednesday, after averaging just under three per game over the first 18 games.

TOURNAMENT NOTES
With Mexico winning the continued game over Venezuela 3-2 in 10 innings, Cuba earned the No. 1 seed in Pool B and Mexico was the No. 2 seed…. Nicaragua defeated the Dominican Republic 2-0 in the other play-in game, giving Nicaragua and the Dominican 1-2 records in Pool B, and guaranteeing the Americans a medal game about 90 minutes prior to USA’s final pitch against Brazil.

FROM PRESS RELEASE
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL— Team USA’s scheduled Pan American baseball game with host Brazil was pushed back yet again. The Americans (13-5, 2-0 Pan Am Games) are now set to begin 30 minutes after the conclusion of the Mexico-Venezuela 2-2 tie, which ended after nine innings on July 14. That game, part of pool B play, is set for Wednesday on Field One of the Cidade do Rock at 9 a.m. Nicaragua and the Dominican Republic were also delayed by a day, due to poor field conditions, as they will play on Field Two at 9 a.m.

The USA, Brazil, Nicaragua and the Dominican were all slated to resume play on Tuesday at 10 a.m., but rain in the Rio de Janeiro area last night pushed the game back to 1 p.m. At around 2 p.m. the game was cancelled due to an accumulation of water. This is the second setback for the quartet, as Cidade do Rock’s lights were in antiquate for night games and pushed games in pool A back a day.

The semifinals between the top two teams in each pool, will begin at approximately 1 p.m. The gold medal game between the winners will be on Field One at 9 a.m. on Thursday, while the bronze medal game will be 30 minutes afterwards between the two losers.

A win for the U.S. guarantees a spot in the semifinals.

WEDNESDAY’S GAMES
(home team last)
FIELD ONE
Mexico vs. Venezuela, continued at 9 a.m. (2-2 tie after 9 innings)
Brazil vs. USA (30 minutes afterwards)
Semifinal Game, approximately 1 p.m. (1 vs. 2, Pool TBA)

FIELD TWO
Dominican Republic vs. Nicaragua, 9 a.m.
Semifinal Game, approximately 1 p.m. (1 vs. 2, Pool TBA)

THURSDAY’S GAMES
Gold Medal Game, 9 a.m.
Bronze Medal Game, 30 minutes afterwards

Perfect Game has released their weekly rankings of summer league teams which is led by the Yarmouth-Dennis Red Sox of the Cape Cod League. They are joined by Bourne at number 6, Chatham at number 8, and Falmouth at 10. The only other league with more then one team in the top 16 is the Coastal Plain League which has two teams. The full listing is available here.