The United States Collegiate National Team swept Chinese Taipei in the five-game International Friendship Series.
The US won the first game in Fayetteville, 5-4, on June 29. Left fielder Nolan Schubart had a four-RBI game. Reliever Nelson Kelio pitched 1.2 innings to earn the win.
The USA Baseball National Training Complex in Cary, North Carolina, hosted the second and third games. The US won 3-2 (five innings; the game was called due to lighting) on June 30 and thrived on 9 walks to win 11-1 (7 innings) on July 1.
Greensboro, North Carolina, hosted the fourth game on July 2. The US shut out Chinese Taipei, 9-0. Jamie Arnold, Tyler Bremner and Alton Davis II combined a no-hitter, allowing Chinese Taipei only three walks.
Kannapolis, North Carolina, hosted the rubber match. The US enjoyed another shutout, 6-0. Matt Scott, Tucker Biven, Malachi Witherspoon and Nate Snead allowed Chinese Taipei only three hits and one walk while striking out eight.
Alabama's State head coach José Vazquez managed a US roster almost entirely of college sophomores, and including three freshmen, during the International Friendship Series. His staff included pitching coach Skylar Meade, bench coach John McCormack, third-base coach Mark Calvi, bullpen coach Brady Austin and assistant coach Kier Meredith.
USA Baseball announced that the 21-year-old University of Georgia slugger Charlie Condon earned the Golden Spikes Award for the best Collegiate player of 2024. The red-shirt sophomore (a player who will have a fifth year of eligibility) led the nation with 37 home runs and will enter the MLB Draft as one of the potential top picks.
"In a season that featured outstanding individual efforts from a wide range of players, Charlie Condon stood above the rest," said Paul Seiler, USA Baseball's Executive Director and CEO. "Charlie's 2024 season was nothing short of incredible to watch, and he greatly deserves this honour."
