Aug. 9, 2002

MESSINA, Italy – Notre Dame righthander Grant Jonnson (Burr Ridge, Ill.) will get the start for the United State National Team in Friday’s quarterfinal matchup versus the Czech Republic, at the World University Championship – with the game slated for Primo Nebiolo stadium (8:30 local time, 1:30 in South Bend).

Johnson has posted a 1.84 ERA and 1-1 record with Team USA during the summer of 2002. The USA (24-5 overall for the summer) went 3-1 in pool play to earn the top seed from Pool A.

A win on Friday will send the USA into a semifinal matchup (Saturday night at 8:30 local time) versus the winner of the Japan-vs.-Korea quarterfinal (Japan is the No. 2 seed from Pool B, with a 3-1 record).

To see a live play-by-play of Friday’s game, log on to http://www.usabaseball.com/natl_schedule.html>www.usabaseball.com/natl_schedule.html and click on the red ,,LIVE SCORING ?/?? option listed next to the game on the 2002 USA Baseball National Team schedule.

For a live webcam of Primo Nebiolo (stadium), updated stats, rosters, and more information about the 2002 FISU World University Baseball Championship, log on to www.cusmessina.it.

The other quarterfinal matchups include Taiwan (2-2) vs. Italy (3-1) and Pool B winner Cuba (4-0) vs. China (2-2).

Check back to und.com later Friday night for a game recap of Johnson’s outing and a complete Team USA update from the World Championship.

The bronze medal game (3:30) and championship game (8:30) will be held on Sunday.