ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFKnights.com) – After appearing in 27 games with a 1.66 ERA last season for UCF, pitcher Bryce Tucker switched out his Black and Gold for the Red, White and Blue of the USA Baseball Collegiate National Team for the summer.
The rising junior was one of 30 players selected to represent Team USA for 20 games, playing in various stadiums throughout North Carolina, Virginia, Massachusetts, Connecticut and New Hampshire.
"It was a great experience to play for such a great organization, meet a lot of great people and play with some of the best players in the country," Tucker said.
After training camp games against several collegiate summer league squads, Tucker and Team USA turned to the bulk of their summer schedule, playing host to Chinese Taipei, Cuba and Japan.
"For Bryce, he was grateful to represent the country and play against other national teams the way they did," head coach Greg Lovelady said. "The experience is probably the most important thing. That's something we talk all the time here. We want to make the players' experience, not only a positive one, but one they'll talk about the rest of their lives."
Tucker was a prominent feature of the Team USA bullpen. The Apopka, Fla., native was virtually unhittable in eight innings against Cuba, Japan and Chinese Taipei. Tucker struck out 13 with a perfect ERA, while surrendering one hit and five walks.
Team USA, more specifically, was under the leadership of UCLA head coach John Savage, Long Beach State skipper Troy Buckley, Cal State Fullerton manager Rick Vanderhook and longtime college baseball coach Dave Snow.
"He had an unbelievable coaching staff," Lovelady added. "John Savage, Vanderhook and Dave Snow, to name a few, to have those guys and all their experience, it had to be a great experience for Bryce."
After taking it all in, Tucker wanted to use his experience to enhance his play for the Knights in 2018.
"I think the opportunity I had will elevate my game," Tucker continued. "Playing with kids from all over the country, you learn the different styles of baseball and the personalities throughout the game. I think that will help me bring that together for our team and bring home another title to UCF."
JOHN EULIANO PARK EXPANSION
The UCF Baseball Complex is getting a facelift. The new John Euliano Park is on the way and club seats are available now. Fans can call (407) 823-1000 or Click Here for information, to purchase tickets, or make a donation.
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