LA PAMPA, Argentina (Box Score) – The U.S. U-23 Men’s National Team came away victorious in its opening game in the 2025 Pan American Championship, defeating the Dominican Republic in a defensive battle, 1-0. The Eagles finished the game with two hits and an error.
GAME LEADERS
In the batter’s box, both Eli Rivas (2B) and Parker Hopkins (C) secured the Eagles’ hits with Braden DuCharme scoring USA’s only run of the game by stealing home in the top of the fourth inning.
In the circle, starting pitcher Marco Diaz only allowed one hit on the day with zero runs, notching 18 strikeouts to wrap up the Eagles’ first game of the tournament. He finished the game with 94 pitches and 69 total strikes.
GAME BREAKDOWN
It was a quiet first inning with zero hits from either team as Diaz secured his first three strikeouts of the game. Hopkins found his way to first base on his first at bat in the top of the second inning on a ground ball to right field for a single, but both teams would remain scoreless through the remainder of the inning.
After the score stayed 0-0 in the third, Hopkins would be up to bat once again with Braden DuCharme eyeing home plate from third base. The Dominican Republic’s next pitch would go through the catcher’s glove, allowing DuCharme to slide into home to score USA’s winning run.
Diaz would go on to keep the scoreboard clear for the Dominican Republic for the rest of the game, throwing six more strikeouts, also grabbing the final ground out with a toss to Cody Gibbons at first for the final out.
UP NEXT
Team USA has a quick turnaround before the next game, facing off against Mexico tomorrow (Sunday, Sept. 14) at 8:30 a.m. CT/10:30 a.m. ART. Fans can follow along with the action at this link.
Pitching Duel Ends in 1–0 Victory For U-23 Men
