DURHAM, N.C. – Oregon State’s Adley Rutschman made his first start for Team USA and helped the Americans get their first win in the 42nd USA vs. Japan Collegiate All-Star Series on Wednesday in Durham, N.C.
Rutschman caught and hit third for Team USA. He went 2-for-3 and scored the only run in a 1-0 victory. Rutschman was the only player with multiple hits in the game and had the only double of the contest.
Team USA scored in the top of the ninth inning. Rutschman ledoff the inning with a single to left, but the next two batters couldn’t move him over. Josh Jung from Texas Tech hit a two-out triple to bring home Rutschman for the go-ahead run.
Rutschman also played strong behind the plate. He threw-out a runner trying to steal third for the final out in the fifth inning.
Both teams have now won one game in the five-game series. They will take Thursday off to travel to Savannah, Ga., where they will continue the series on Friday with a 4 p.m. tilt at Grayson Stadium.
Oregon pitcher Kenyon Yovan is also on the team, but did not make an appearance in Wednesday’s game. Both Yovan and Rutschman appeared in the opening game of the series on Tuesday. Yovan pitched two shutout innings in relief, allowing two hits, striking out one and walking one. Rutschman had a pinch hit performance, but flew out with two men on base.
