Team USA loses 7-1 to Budo University

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FROM CBB NEWS SOURCE

(CHIBA, JAPAN) – Team USA (11-1) committed three errors and left eight runners on base in a 7-1 exhibition loss to Budo University, Friday, in Chiba, Japan. The loss was the first by the U.S. this summer and it snapped a 35-game winning streak for the National Team dating back to last season.

Tyler Holt (Florida State) reached second base on an error by the left fielder to begin the game and later scored Team USA’s lone run on an RBI groundout by Blake Forsythe (Tennessee) in the bottom of the first inning.

Budo University took the lead after it scored three runs in the top of the third. Takayuki Fujii hit a two-RBI triple to right center and USA pitcher Asher Wojciechowski (The Citadel) misplayed a squeeze bunt for its third run of the inning.

Budo University scored two runs in the fourth inning and one run in the seventh and ninth innings to put the game out of reach.

Holt went 2-4 for Team USA and Christian Colon (Cal State Fullerton), Rick Hague (Rice), and Matt Newman (Arizona State) each had a hit apiece.

USA starter Wojciechowski (1-1) pitched six full innings and surrendered five runs on four hits, and struck out seven batters. He was tagged with the loss. Relievers Bryce Brentz (Middle Tennessee State) and Tony Zych (Louisville) each surrendered a run as well before Sonny Gray (Vanderbilt) finished the game with a strikeout.

Team USA will begin the 37th Annual USA vs. Japan Collegiate Championships Sunday, July 12, at Matsuyama Stadium in Matsuyama, Japan. First pitch is scheduled at 12:00 PM (Saturday, July 11, 11:00 PM ET). Gerrit Cole (UCLA) is slated to take the mound.