CARY, NC—The 2018 18U National Team trials concluded Thursday with the Stars and Stripes playing six innings. The Stars claimed their first victory, 9-1, with IF Anthony Volpe (Delbarton HS, NJ) and C Ethan Hearn (Mobile Christian HS, AL) providing most of the offense.

Hearn opened things with a two-run double in the second inning, golfing a slider over the right fielder’s head. He scored on a single by 3B Gunnar Henderson (Morgan Academy, AL) and after OF Austin Hendrick (West Alleghany HS, PA) walked, Volpe launched a triple to left-center field that drove in two runs.

In addition to the triple, Volpe showed off his defense. He started out at second base and made a charging play up the middle, throwing off balance to get the out at first. Later, he moved to shortstop and dove in the hole, got to his feet and made a strong throw for an out.

Here are a few more highlights from the final day of action…