June 28, 2007
SAN DIEGO - After impressing the national coaching staff with his performance against Team USA on Saturday, June 23, San Diego State Aztec right-hander Stephen Strasburg has been invited to join the national squad for its five-game exhibition series against Chinese Taipei that begins Friday evening (June 29) in Burlington, N.C.
At the request of the Team USA management, Strasburg started last weekend's contest for the Torrington (Conn.) Twisters as they hosted the national team in an exhibition contest. In his three innings of work, the sophomore from San Diego (West Hills HS) allowed no hits while striking out seven of the 12 hitters he faced.
The Twisters went on to defeat Team USA, 4-3, giving the national side its only loss in six contests thus far on its 2007 summer tour. Another San Diego State player, second baseman Garett Green, is also playing in Torrington this summer. He contributed a pair of hits including a home run and scored twice in the upset victory.
The national team's series against Chinese Taipei includes a pair of contests in Burlington (June 29-30), two in Cary, N.C. (July 1-2) and a final game in Kannapolis, N.C. (July 3). With Team USA's roster set for the summer, Strasburg is expected to return to Torrington at the conclusion of the series and resume duties with the Twisters.
Both Strasburg and Green have been impressive in the early going for the Torrington squad which competes in the 12-team New England Collegiate Baseball League. Strasburg has made six relief appearances in league play and has a record of 1-0 with three saves to his credit. He has struck out 13 batters over seven innings and opponents are hitting just .154 against him.
Green, meanwhile, leads the Twisters with a .323 batting average after the first 16 contests of the season. He is also the team leader in doubles with four and RBI with 11. He has committed just one error at second base for a .989 fielding percentage.
To view a story on Strasburg's call-up to Team USA that appeared in the Waterbury Republican American newspaper on June 27, click here. To check Team USA results, box scores and game recaps, click here.