Brendan McKay Accepts Invite to USA Collegiate Team

Mark BlankenbakerMarch 30, 2016

Louisville sophomore pitcher and first baseman Brendan McKay has accepted an invitation to compete for the 2016 USA Baseball Collegiate National Team this summer. It will mark the second straight year McKay has played for Team USA after making four relief appearances without allowing an earned run and earning six starts as a hitter last summer.

Named as the National Freshman of the Year and the John Olerud Two-Way Player of the Year in 2015, McKay has continued his stellar play in 2016 highlighted by a 5-1 record, 1.10 ERA and 51 strikeouts in six starts and 41.0 innings this spring. At the plate, the lefty from Darlington, Pennsylvania has a .306 average with two home runs, seven doubles, 13 walks and 16 RBI.

Guided by University of Oregon head coach George Horton, the USA Collegiate National Team will conduct a training camp in Southern California from June 28-July 2 before visiting Taiwan (July 5-9), Japan (July 12-17) and Cuba (July 22-26) for a series of games. The trip to Japan will include the 40th USA vs. Japan Collegiate All-Star Series.

McKay’s second tour with Team USA marks the 11th time a Louisville player has earned an invitation from the USA Baseball Collegiate National Team joining Zack Burdi (2015), Corey Ray (2015), Kyle Funkhouser (2014), Nick Burdi (2013), Ryan Wright (2010), Phil Wunderlich (2009), Tony Zych (2009), Justin Marks (2008) and Mark Jurich (2002). It marks the 18th time a player coached or signed by Louisville head coach Dan McDonnell, who served as an assistant with the 2009 USA Baseball Collegiate National Team, earned international baseball experience.

The No. 4 Louisville baseball team (20-5, 6-3 ACC) returns to action Saturday at 1 p.m., ET in the first game of a weekend series at Jim Patterson Stadium against ACC foe Virginia Tech. The Cardinals and Hokies are also slated for Sunday at 1 p.m., and Monday at 7 p.m.