Mustang News Staff Report
[follow id=”CPMustangSports”]
Rising junior Mark Mathias is the third Cal Poly baseball player in history to be named to the Collegiate National Team by USA baseball. The second baseman joins elite company, alongside starting pitcher Matt Imhof and Major League Baseball Hall of Fame shortstop Ozzie Smith as the only Mustangs to crack the 24-man roster.
Mathias was impressive during his audition for Team USA, going 12-for-26 (.462) with nine runs scored and four stolen bases. He tallied a hit in each of his seven games.
Mathias showed his versatility as well, starting at various positions within the infield instead of being limited to his traditional slot at second base. He also shifted up and down the lineup, eventually landing at his usual leadoff spot.
The Big West Conference batting champ in 2014, Matthias sported a .386 average during the season. He hit safely in 44 of his last 48 games, including 14- and 17-game hit streaks. He was named the Big West Field Player of the Year in May.
Team USA kicked off its five-game Friendship series with Chinese Taipei on Tuesday night at Coleman Field in Cary, North Carolina. Mathias singled to lead off the game, eventually scoring the first run. He later added a double, becoming one of two Team USA players to have multiple hits in the game.
The matchup ended in a 5-5 draw after 10 innings. Game two of the Friendship series takes place Wednesday night in Shelby, N.C.