Walz Pitches in U.S. Loss to Japan

July 13, 2009

TOKYO, Japan –

Kansas sophomore T.J. Walz pitched 4 1/3 innings of quality relief, but it was not enough as the U.S. National Team (Collegiate) fell to Japan, 7-5, Monday morning at the Tokyo Dome. Walz allowed one run on five hits with three strikeouts in his third relief appearance of the summer.

After Team Japan scored six unearned runs off of Team USA starter Drew Pomeranz, Walz entered the game with two outs in the third and ended the threat by recording a groundout. The Kansas sophomore labored through his 4 1/3 innings of work, allowing five hits and four walks, but allowed a lone run in the sixth inning on a wild pitch.

His effort allowed the Americans to cut the deficit to 7-5 in the bottom of the seventh, however, that was as close as it would get. Team USA fell for just the second time this summer, moving to 12-2 during its tour.

Walz, a KU sophomore from Omaha, Neb., has made four appearances, including one start for the U.S. National Team this summer. He is 2-0 with a 1.72 ERA in 15 2/3 innings pitched. He has allowed just three extra base hits in his work this summer to go along with 20 strikeouts. Opposing hitters are batting just .214 against the right-hander.

Game three of the five-game series between the U.S. and Japan continues Tuesday, July 14, with first pitch scheduled for 4 a.m. CST at Miyagi Stadium in Sendai, Japan. The series is tied 1-1.