USA falls to Japan and Clemson gets Commitment

In the rubber game of the 37th Annual USA vs. Japan Collegiate Championships, Team USA lost in an exciting finish 8-7. The American team committed two straight errors that led to their demise in the 11th inning. First, Sonny Gray threw a wild pick off attempt that moved Japan's runner to third base with two outs. Then, Colon booted a ground ball at shorstop that gave Japan the win. Clemson's Brad Miller went 1 for 4 with a run scored, one rbi, and a walk. The 2009 USA Baseball National Team will travel to Prince George, British Columbia, Canada to play in the Enbridge Northern Gateway World Baseball Challenge July 16-26. The Americans will square off against Canada on Sunday, July 19.

In football recruiting news, Desmond Brown of Alabama committed to play football for the Tigers today. It looks as if Brown could play some safety in Clemson, but he is currently listed as an ATH. Brown will be the Tigers 8th player to commit for 2010 and it's possible that his good friend, RB Demont Buice, will also commit to Clemson. Buice will visit Clemson next week and is from Gadsden, Alabama.

A DoubleHeader

Sorry guys! Work has been absolutely crazy the last few days and I just couldn't find the time yesterday to update my blog! I'm back today however for a doubleheader of sorts. In USA baseball news, Team USA defeated Japan yesterday 8-4. Brad Miller played second base again, and went 1 for 5 at the plate with one RBI.

In today's action, the American squad was defeated 8-3 in the fourth game of the five game series. Miller did not start today, but he did come in and play second later on. He was 0 for 2 at the dish, with one RBI. Team USA will finish up their series with Japan tomorrow, and the World Baseball Challenge will start on July 18 in British Columbia.

Japan Topples USA

Team USA fell to Japan today, 7-5 in the second game of a five set series. Japan was able to score six unearned runs in the third inning after starting pitcher, Drew Pomeranz, threw wildly to second base. Clemson's Brad Miller started at second base for the American squad. He went 0 for 1 at the plate with two walks on the day, before being lifted for a pinch hitter. Miller has played well thus far for Team USA as he is sporting a .300 batting average in 13 games. He also has 11 walks and a .476 on base percentage. In the field, he has yet to make an error, and he's also 5 for 5on stolen bases. Team USA will play Japan again tomorrow in the third game of the series.

USA Baseball Wins

The National Collegiate team knocked off Japan 3-0 in game one of the 37th Annual USA vs. Japan Collegiate Championships. Gerrit Cole, Team USA's starter, pitched seven strong innings and posted nine strikeouts on the day. Clemson's Brad Miller did not start the game for Team USA, but he did come in defensively and play second base. Game two of the best of five series will be held on July 13.

USA Basketball Grabs Bronze Medal

The American team brought home the bronze medal today after defeating Israel 91-80 in the World University Games. After a tough loss yesterday, Team USA bounced back with a solid win today. Four players tallied double digits in what was a very hard fought game. Trevor Book scored 6 points, had 2 rebounds, and 2 assists in the win. Serbia will play Russia later today in the gold medal round.

In football recruiting news, Darius Robinsion made an unofficial trip to Tigertown on Friday. It looks as if the Tigers are still leading with the defensive back out of Atlanta. Robinson wants to make a decision before this season kicks off, and right now it seems as if he's a heavy favorite to come to Clemson. He's also looking at Miami, Kentucky, Michigan, and Stanford.

USA Falters Against Russia

Trevor Booker and Team USA lost for the first time in non-exhibition play today against Russia. Russia held on for a 69-68 victory in a very hard fought game. Team USA led for the majority of the game. However, Russia played a great fourth quarter and was able to outscore the Americans 20-9 in that stanza. The American squad will now face Israel tomorrow for the bronze medal. Booker finished the game with 6 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, and a block. Russia and Serbia will now square off for the gold medal.

In baseball news, Team USA also loss today. In an exhibition game against Budo University in Japan, the Americans committed 3 errors and was ultimately beaten 7-1. The loss for the national team snapped a 35-game winning streak that dated back to last year. Team USA will begin the 37th Annual USA vs. Japan Collegiate Championships on Sunday. Brad Miller did not play in the game versus Budo today.

USA Advances and Paulsen Inks Deal

In basketball news, Team USA hammered Bulgaria 96-66 in a quarter-final rout. With the victory, the American squad will advance to the semi-final round to play Russia. Team USA shot 47% from behind the 3pt arc, and set a USA World University Games record with 16 made 3-pointers. Once again, the team had a well-balanced attack with every player scoring and five players in double digits. Clemson's Booker had a solid performance. He scored 5 points, grabbed 5 rebounds, dished out 2 assists, and blocked 4 shots. Team USA will square off against Russia (5-1) in the first semi-final game on July 10. In the second semi-final game, Israel (6-0) and Serbia (4-1) will clash for the right to advance to the gold medal game.

In MLB news, former Tiger 1B Ben Paulsen signed with the Colorado Rockies today. Paulsen was taken in the third round of this year's MLB Draft. Paulsen said he signed for third-round slot money and will report to the Rockies’ short-season club in Washington. It also seems likely that lefty Chris Dwyer will be leaving school early too. He is currently in negotiations with the KC Royals.