Rochester Red Wings Press Release

Team USA beat Nicaragua 7-0 Friday in the opener of
the pool play at the Olympic Qualifying Tournament in
Panama. Joe Mauer, the Minnesota Twins 2003 Minor
League Player of the Year, started behind the plate
for Team USA and went 2 for 5 with an RBI double. The
Americans were led by Justin Leone (Seattle) who
ripped a pair of solo homers and Graham Koonce
(Oakland) who was 2 for 3 with a two run homer. Former
Buffalo Bisons left-hander Jason Stanford started and
pitched seven shutout innings while allowing just two
hits in the win. Team USA next faces Brazil on
Saturday. They must finish either first or second in
the tournament to qualify for the 2004 Olympics in
Athens.

Follow Mauer, Durbin, Crain, and Red Wings first
baseman Justin Morneau (Team Canada) at
RedWingsBaseball.com with coverage throughout the
tournament.

Thanks for reading this...Opening Day 2004 at Frontier
Field is Saturday April 10 at 1:35 PM.



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