July 7, 1998

TUCSON, Arizona – The fifth and final game of the USA-Japan baseball series was canceled Tuesday night due to inclement weather. The game will not be made up.

The USA (19-9) opens a four-game series against Mexico on Wednesday night, with Florida State freshman righthander Jon McDonald (0-0, 1.80 ERA) slated to start for the Americans.

Following the Mexico series, USA Baseball is expected to pare the current 26-man roster to 22 for the upcoming 16-team World Championship, to be held July 21-Aug. 2 in Italy. Notre Dame sophomore Brant Ust (Redmond, Wash.) has platooned with Cal State Fullerton sophomore Ryan Owens at third base through the first 28 games of the summer.