CARY, N.C. The Citadel's Asher Wojciechowski struck out three batters in three innings pitched in the first intrasquad “Blue-Red” of the two-week long USA National Team Trials at the National Training Complex in Cary, N.C. Wojciechowski was credited with the loss after allowing one run off two hits and did not allow any walks.
Wojciechowski, a rising junior at The Citadel, pitched three innings in relief and entered with a 1-1 tie in the fourth inning. Wojciechowski's lone run was due to a sacrifice fly by Florida's Preston Tucker.
Tucker launched a sacrifice fly to right field to score Rick Hague (Rice) in the sixth inning as the Red Team defeated the Blue Team 2-1 in the opening game of the USA Baseball National Team (Collegiate) Trials.
Blake Forsythe (Tennessee) launched a two-out, full-count solo home run to left field in the top of the first inning to put the Blue Team ahead 1-0 early. But Tyler Holt (Florida State) of the Red Team quickly scored on a grounder to short by Bryce Brentz (Middle Tennessee State) in the bottom half of the inning to tie the score at one apiece.
The score remained tied 1-1 until the bottom of the sixth inning as the pitching and defense were solid for both teams. During the four inning period, only two hits were tallied, both for the Red Team.
Hague led off the bottom half of the sixth inning with a single through the left side and then stole second base with ease. After advancing to third on an errant throw, Hague gave the Red Team an opportunity to take the lead. Tucker then launched a towering sacrifice fly to right field as Hague scored the go ahead run to give the Red Team a 2-1 lead.
From that point on the pitching and defense continued its dominance. On the day, only five hits were surrendered in the game. Tyler Holt led the way for the Red Team with two hits and one run scored while Cody Wheeler (Coastal Carolina) pitched three solid innings of relief, striking out four and not allowing a hit.
Wheeler (1-0) picked up the win.
Sonny Gray (Vanderbilt) started for the Blue Team and pitched three innings. He allowed one unearned run on one hit and three strikeouts. Wojciechowski (0-1) picked up the loss.
The USA Baseball National Team (Collegiate) Trials continues Thursday, June 18 as the second intrasquad, Blue vs. Red game will begin at 6:30 p.m. at the USA Baseball National Training Complex.
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