OKINAWA, Japan - UMES freshman pitcher Richard De Jesus is slated to pitch for Puerto Rico at the WBSC U-18 Baseball World Cup.

"It is a fantastic opportunity for Richard. It will help him grow within the sport and put him on the map for professional baseball in the future," said UMES head coach Danny Acosta. "For our program, it means that we are going after the right recruits. We are going after guys that can make statements. It is proven that Richard represents that."

De Jesus is expected to make his first pitching appearance in Puerto Rico's game against South Africa on Friday, Sept. 5 at 9:30 p.m. ET. 

"Richard is going to face some tough opponents," said Acosta. "Even though every country will have their best guys out there, Richard will be successful if he can attack the strike zone and dominate the inner-half."

Standings, stats, results, schedules, rosters for the 12 competing countries, and streams for all games are available on www.wbsc.org.

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