Madison College baseball isn’t something that’s usually in these pages until well into the second semester. However, when you play against a team made up of the top national stars, that’s something that grabs attention.

Madison College took on a team of U-18 USA National Team players on Aug. 29 in Rochester, Minn. The game ended with a final score of 8-2 in favor of Team USA, but without a six run fourth inning, the game would have been tied.

The WolfPack put up a good fight, especially Nathan Aide, who had two hits and scored a run. Joe Nilo-Lofton scored the other run. On the mound, Madison used nine different pitchers, including starter Jack Eagan, who pitched two scoreless innings.

This game was much more about the event than the result, however. Just scheduling this game is a great accomplishment for both the baseball program and the athletic department.

The USA National Team was made up of roughly 20 players, most of whom will graduate high school in 2018. These kids are some of the best high school baseball players in America, including the No. 1 recruit, Kumar Rocker, of Georgia.

While they are just high schoolers, many of the players representing Team USA are sure-fire professionals and in a few years could be Major League players.

According to MaxPreps.com, Rocker, Jared Kelenic (ranked No. 4), and Nolan Gorman (ranked No. 5), are top level prospects.

This game was also huge for the athletic program here at Madison College. Getting games like this one will help increase the notoriety of the baseball program and help with recruiting.

Most players who come to Madison College are looking to take a step to the next level. If more games like this are played, it will give more exposure to Madison College’s baseball players.