Chris Diaz Named to Team USA CNT

CARY, N.C. – Miami Hurricanes sophomore lefthander Chris Diaz has earned one of 24 coveted roster spots on the USA Baseball Collegiate National Team, and will travel to Japan to compete for Team USA in its international schedule.

“I’m honored and humbled to represent my country,” Diaz said. “I’m going to embrace this and not take such a rare opportunity for granted. I’m looking forward to playing in Japan, and excited for what the rest of this tour will bring.”

Diaz helped the CNT finish a perfect 10-0 against teams from the Coastal Plains League during his tryout stint. The Florida City, Fla., native went 1-0 in his three appearances on the hill, yielding no runs in 5.0 innings. He struck out seven batters and walked three in the CNT’s flawless start, earning one of nine open roster spots for his efforts.

Diaz, who continues an impressive international trend for Miami baseball, is the 22^nd Hurricane CNT representative – the second-most of any program in history – and his selection marks the 19^th year a Hurricane has been chosen, marking the third-longest stretch for any program all-time. He is the first Hurricane to be selected for Team USA since catcher Yasmani Grandal in 2009.

In his first year as a member of the Hurricanes’ weekend rotation, Diaz was ranked among the conference leaders in a number of key statistical categories. He ended the 2013 season ranked second in the ACC in ERA (1.64), fourth in innings pitched (109.2) and delivered 14 quality starts (at least six innings, three earned runs or less) in 16 chances – including nine straight to end the season.

The sophomore southpaw was named second-team ABCA All-Region, Louisville Regional All-Tournament, and a semifinalist for the inaugural Gregg Olson Award honoring college baseball’s breakout player of the year.

After a July 5 exhibition contest against the Matsuyama Industrial League, the 39^th edition of the USA-Japan series gets underway July 6 in Matsuyama, Japan. Upon returning to the United States, the CNT will play a pair of exhibition games before opening up a five-game series against Cuba on July 18 in Des Moines, Iowa.

To view the 2013 USA Baseball Collegiate National Team roster and summer schedule, click HERE.