15U: USA Mercy Rules Dominican Republic, 12-2

Moniak, Strumpf and Sabol combine to go 8-for-11

Barranquilla, Colombia - The USA Baseball 15U National Team defeated the Dominican Republic, 12-2, Saturday in its first game at the COPABE Pan American Championships.

Team USA put on a show offensively as it scored in every inning en route to ending the game early via the 10-run rule. Mickey Moniak (Carlsbad, Calif.), Chase Strumpf (Ladera Ranch, Calif.) and Blake Sabol (Also Viejo, Calif.) were the first, second and third hitters in the U.S. lineup and combined to go 8-for-11 on the day with five RBIs and five runs scored to lead the team to victory.

Moniak was the spark plug for the Red, White and Blue the entire game as he stole home to give Team USA a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning, and smashed a three-run triple in the second inning to make it a 5-1 game. Strumpf did his damage immediately after Moniak cleared the bases as he clubbed a two-run homerun over the wall in left field to extend the U.S. lead to 7-1.

In the third inning, the bottom of the lineup came through as well as Isaak Gutierrez (Cypress, Calif.) drew a walk, Nick Allen (San Diego, Calif.) slapped a double down the right field line, and Sam Ferri (Norridge, Ill.) ripped a two-run double off of the left field wall giving Team USA a 9-1 advantage.

After the offense staked starting pitcher Jonathan Gettys to a 2-0 lead in the first inning, the 6-1 lefthander didn't look back. Gettys allowed three hits and one earned run, while striking out five, in four innings pitched to earn the win.

Immediately following the game between the U.S. and the Dominican Republic, opening ceremonies were held on the field at Tomas Arrieta Stadium.

Team USA will play Mexico in its second game of the Pan American Championships Sunday evening at approximately 6 p.m. ET at Tomas Arrieta Stadium.

Courtesy of USABaseball.com