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U.S. All-Stars
(Sunday's games not included)
C--Owen Guzman, Nevada: A super catalyst for the U.S. champions, Guzman hit .538 in four Nevada wins, collecting at least one every game. A stellar defender as well, Guzman drove in a run, while scoring four times. His ability to consistently reached base played a large role in Nevada scoring 37 runs on its way to capturing the national championship. He also earned the pitching win in the U.S. Final, throwing 3 2/3 strong innings against an Ohio team which had 24 hits in its last two games.
IF--Jack McAdams, Ohio: Sharing the honor for most hits by a U.S. player, McAdams was a model of consistency, taking a six-game hitting streak into the national final. The slick-fielding third baseman who did not make an error in seven Series games, generated three multi-hit games and was outstanding with runners in scoring position, hitting .500. McAdams drove in five runs; scored five times and struck out just once in seven games.
IF--Ryan Donnelly, Pennsylvania: Donnelly made the most of his two Series games, batting .667 and producing two hits in each. Donnelly doubled and helped Pennsylvania start strong in an extra-inning loss against Alabama. He scored a run and also played error-less defense. Donnelly helped on the mound as well, striking out five batters in five innings.
IF--Maddox Bryan, Nevada: Being tied for the team-lead in batting average says a lot, considering how potent Nevada was as it steamrolled its way to the U.S. championship. Bryan hit .556, and hit safely in three of four games. A good first baseman who did not make an error, Bryan delivered two multi-hit performances and drove in six runs. He also had multiple RBIs twice and was fantastic in clutch situations, batting .667 with runners in scoring position.
IF--Josiah Infante, Ohio: Another tremendous defender, Infante also solidified the middle of a potent Ohio lineup. Infante tied McAdams with a Series-high nine hits and also hit .500. A player who made several impressive scoops at first base, Infante had hits in six straight games reaching the U.S. Final and added three RBIs with five runs. Infante earned the win against Massachusetts, a game which started a five-game winning streak, and he went 3 for 3 in a loser's bracket final victory against Iowa.
OF--Caleb Erwin, Iowa: Speaking of Iowa, Erwin helped the Midwest champions finish higher than any team from its state since 2000. Closing his Series with a spectacular diving catch in center field, Erwin hit .556, going 5 for 9 in four games. A big batter with a flashy glove, Erwin compiled a .600 on-base percentage and twice had two-hit games. Erwin drove in two runs, scored once and made no errors as Iowa started 2-0 before taking third in the U.S.
OF--Michael Kleiner, Nevada: Kleiner tied Bryan for team-best honors, hitting .556. The speedy center fielder helped fuel a relentless offense, generating hits in all four games. Most impressive, Kleiner was a terror in big situations, hitting .833 with runners in scoring position. He also doubled and scored two runs. Kleiner played flawless defense, scored five times and went 2 for 2 in the championship win against Ohio.
OF--Joey Dwyer, New Jersey: Providing thunder down under, Dwyer flourished lower in the New Jersey lineup, hitting .500 over four games. A grinder at the plate, Dwyer produced hits in three of his four games and started pivotal rallies in both New Jersey wins. A good fielder as well, Dwyer made no errors and often brought large, boisterous New Jersey crowds to their feet with his strong all-around play.
Utility--Kasen Workman, Washington: It was not just that Workman played well, but when he did so which made such a difference. After hitting a go-ahead, two-out, two-run single in a 2-0, seven inning win against Alabama, Workman went Mariano Rivera two days later. Workman took the mound protecting a 4-3 lead against Texas and retired three straight batters with the bases loaded, preserving the thrilling win. Workman compiled a .545 on-base percentage and drove in three runs.
P--Cooper Thissen, Iowa: The committee's choice as U.S. Player of the Tournament, Thissen offered free pitching lessons for the world to witness. The left-hander put his name up there with Series pitching legends of the past, not allowing a hit or run in nine dominant innings. Thissen combined with Anthony Johnson Jr. (17 strikeouts in 6 1/3 innings) on a no-hitter in a 1-0 win against California, also hitting a lead-off home run in that win against a team which scored 33 runs in three West Regional wins. Thissen struck out 15 in 5 1/3 against California; then threw 3 2/3 no-hit innings against U.S. champion Nevada, striking out 10. Thissen struck out 25 in his nine innings and let just two balls be put in play; neither leaving the infield. Thissen also reached base nearly every time at-bat, hitting .600 and generating an .800 on-base percentage. He doubled twice, homered, scored five times and made no errors in 26 chances at three positions.
P--Kinley Rasmus, Alabama: The greatest girl to ever play at the Series also was one of the field's best players, period. Rasmus put up the best pitching numbers any girl has ever produced here and also set an offensive record with five hits. The crafty right-hander went 1-0, not allowing a run in 10 2/3 innings pitched while matching Mo'ne Davis's record with 14 strikeouts. Rasmus allowed just one hit in six innings against Washington before overpowering Pennsylvania in 4 2/3 fabulous innings. A five-tool player, Rasmus also hit .455, reached base in all five games and had two multi-hit games. She nearly homered against California and drove in three runs, while scoring twice.