Mavrick Rizy's first experience playing for Team USA proved to be golden.
The Worcester Academy '24 returned from Mexico yesterday with a gold medal after serving as a relief pitcher for the USA Baseball 18U National Team at the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) U-18 Baseball World Cup Americas Qualifier in La Paz. Rizy capped an exceptional 2022 campaign by helping Team USA win its sixth consecutive WBSC U-18 Baseball World Cup Americas Qualifier title.
"It was honestly a hell of an experience to play international baseball for the first time," said Rizy, who is committed to UConn. "It was eye-opening seeing that level of competition. I pitched against a kid from the Venezuelan team who signed with the Blue Jays before the game. It's crazy to pitch against that level of player."
A 6-foot-9, 235-pound fire-baller, Rizy escaped a two-on, one-out jam in that matchup against Venezuela, demonstrating his ability to strand inherited runners. It capped an exceptional summer for Rizy -- one that included strong performances at the Area Code Underclass Games, Summer Rivalry Classic and States Play Invitational.
