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.

Lincoff Commits to Clemson

Matt Lincoff has committed to play football at Clemson University. Lincoff formerly played cornerback and punter, but will punt for the Tigers. Andre Powell recruited Lincoff because of his 4.3 second hang time on punts, and because he had a net average punt return of 1.6 yds. His net average punt return was one of the best in the nation last year at Dean College. The junior college kid who is 20 years old will finally realize his dream of playing major college football this fall at Clemson.

Booker and USA Hold On For Huge Win

Team USA held on to defeat the host team of Serbia today, in a 68-66 thriller. The game was close throughout, with each team trading baskets. However, with the Americans up by just one point Trevor Booker came up huge. With 11.6 seconds left, Team USA missed two free throws, but Booker was able to tip the missed free throw back to his teammate that was then fouled. However, Da'Sean Butler would also miss two free throws, but Booker once again tipped the ball out to his teammate and gave the Americans the win. Trevor led the team in rebounds with 6, scored 4 points, and had 2 blocks. Team USA now 4-0 will face off against Bulgaria (3-1) in the July 9 medal quarterfinals with the winner advancing to the July 10 semifinal.

In baseball news, Team USA's game today was cancelled due to bad weather in the Boston area. The game will not be made up and Team USA will now travel to Japan to take part in the 37th Annual USA vs. Japan Collegiate All-Star Championships on Saturday.

Some International Flavor

In USA basketball news, Team USA crushed Greece in a 108-77 blowout. The Americans were led by Deon Thompson's 17 points. The game was close at the half as Greece trailed 44-39. However, the American squad made a strong push in the second half and put the game out of reach. With the victory, Team USA is assured a spot in the medal quarterfinals now. The USA will close out second round play tomorrow as they face the undefeated host team of Serbia. Trevor Booker played just 9 minutes today, but registered 5 points, 1 rebound, and 1 steal.

In baseball news, Team USA once again was the victor over the Holyoke Blue Sox. Team USA pushed its record to 11-0, as they won 5-2 today. Brad Miller did not start today's game. However, he did substitute into the game and had a walk, a stolen base, and a run scored. The Americans are scheduled to play the North Shore Navigators tomorrow at Fraser Field in Massachusetts.

Brad Miller and Team USA

Yesterday, Team USA completed its second straight sweep of the summer by knocking off Guatemala 18-1. Previously, Team USA had swept Canada in a five-game series. The boys from Guatemala just didn't have the firepower to compete with the Americans. Brad Miller had his best offensive day thus far, going 3 for 3 at the plate with 4 runs scored and two walks.

In today's game versus the NECBL All-Stars, Team USA won 4-1. The American squad is now 10-0 this summer. Brad Miller played 2b again for Team USA, and went 1-4 at the plate with 2 rbi's on the day. The Americans will travel to Massachusetts for a game tomorrow against Holyoke.

USA Blasts South Korea

On a day where Americans celebrate their Independence, Team USA was celebrating a victory over South Korea. The American team blasted South Korea 113-76, and all 12 players for Team USA scored. The team had a well-balanced attack as seven different players scored in double digits. Clemson's Trevor Booker had his best game thus far, scoring 11 points and grabbing 7 rebounds. The Americans will now advance to round two of the World University Games, where they will face off against Greece. Team USA will have tomorrow off, and play again on July 6th.

Happy July 4th and Go USA!

Booker and Team USA Hammer Finland

Team USA left little doubt in the minds of the Finland team, that they were the better team today. The Americans shot 9 of 21 from the 3pt line and out rebounded Finland 54-34 in a 87-40 blowout victory. Finland struggled shooting the ball, making just 23% of their shots, while Team USA shot 50% on the afternoon. Clemson's Trevor Booker finished with 6 points, 4 rebounds, and 1 assist. Team USA will play again tomorrow versus South Korea.

In USA Baseball, the American team is currently leading 18-0 over Guatemala in the seventh inning. It looks like Team USA will hold on for their seventh straight victory this summer. Clemson's Brad Miller is playing 2b again tonight.

USA Baseball

Drew Pomeranz recorded a history-making 17 strikeouts in yesterday's game, as the USA Collegiate Team defeated Guatemala 15-1 in their opener of a 4-game set. The USA team has yet to lose this summer, after sweeping Canada the first 5 games. Clemson's Brad Miller played some 3b and went 0-2 at the plate with one run scored on the day. The USA Team is currently playing it's second game against Guatemala. As of 8pm, the USA Team was ahead 1-0 in the 4th inning. Brad Miller started at 2b and is currently 0-0 at the plate with a walk. The Americans will play Guatemala again on July 3rd and 4th to finish out the series.

Check back later for a final update on the USA vs. Guatemala game!

Update: Four USA pitchers combined to throw the first ever no-hitter in the history of the USA Collegiate Team. The Americans were able to win 10-0 and keep their record perfect at 7-0 this summer. Brad Miller drove in the final run with a sacrifice fly.

Baciu and Football Recruiting

Clemson University announced today that Catalin Baciu under went arthroscopic surgery last month for his right shoulder. He will still practice and workout in the next couple of weeks, but his work will be limited until he is fully recovered. With Devin Booker and Milton Jennings coming in this year, Baciu's playing time will definitely take a hit. With returning players, Booker and Grant, the post seems to be pretty solid this year. I'm not sure Baciu will see much time on the court when he is healthy. It would be nice to see him develop into a solid post player, but his time may be another year down the road.

Daniel Koenig (6-6 255) from Cape Coral, FL has narrowed his list of over 25 offers down to six schools. Those schools are Clemson, Oklahoma State, Auburn, Nebraska, Missouri, and Ole Miss. Koenig is a highly regarded offensive lineman, and has high interest in the Clemson program. He would be a great OL pick up for the Tigers. The Tigers are also looking at an offensive lineman from Summerville, SC. Devin Taylor recently camped at Clemson, and the coaches were impressed with his long snapping abilities. Taylor has gained interest from Kentucky, Wofford, and Clemson.