U-23 MNT Falls to Guatemala, 4-1

LA PAMPA, Argentina (Box Score) – The U.S. U-23 Men’s National Team couldn’t hold onto an early lead on Friday, falling 4-1 to Guatemala.

The Eagles had one run, five hits and two errors against the Guatemalans, proving costly as they capitalized to plate three unearned runs. Team USA finished round robin play 3-4 overall and is set to play in the No. 5 vs. No. 6 match-up on Saturday, Sept. 20 at 7:30 a.m. CT/9:30 a.m. ART.

GAME LEADERS
In the circle, pitcher Cody Gibbons finished with 14 strikeouts for the Eagles, the second-most for Team USA at the Pan American Championship this week. He faced 29 batters for 112 total pitches and 80 strikes.

Four players secured hits for the Eagles tonight with Alejandro Gonzalez leading USA with two (one run). Parker Hopkins, Logan Boom and Brennan DuCharme all added one hit each with DuCharme also scoring an RBI in the game.

GAME BREAKDOWN
The Eagles opened scoring in the bottom of the first inning when Brennan DuCharme blasted a hard ground ball to left field for a double, bringing Gonzalez across the plate to score. Unfortunately for Team USA, the 1-0 lead would be short lived with Guatemala breaking through in the fourth inning.

Guatemala scored on an RBI single and a two-run hit in the fourth for a three-run rally, tacking on their fourth run in the sixth on a single.

UP NEXT
USA will play tomorrow (Saturday, Sept. 20) at 7:30 a.m. CT/9:30 a.m. ART in the No. 5 vs. No. 6 game. The Eagles’ opponent will be announced later tonight. Fans can follow along with the action at this link.