Former TCU All-American Jake Arrieta and fellow former Horned Frog Eugene Espineli will be playing for the United States Olympic team in next month.

TCU is the only school with two former players on the squad.

"To be the only university with two players represented on the Olympic baseball team exemplifies the greatness of TCU and the development of players in our program over the years," said TCU head coach Jim Schlossnagle.

Arrieta's honor came on the heals of his selection to the United States roster for the 2008 MLB Future's game at Yankee Stadium Sunday. He tossed a scoreless sixth inning for the U.S. squad, allowing one hit and striking out one.

Earlier this summer, Arrieta was selected to the Carolina League-California League All-Star Game. This season as a member of the Frederick Keys, Arrieta is 6-4 with a league-low 2.75 ERA in 18 starts. He leads the Carolina League in strikeouts with 108 in 101 1/3 innings of work. Opponents are hitting just .195 off of the right-hander. Twice this season Arrieta has earned the Carolina League Pitcher of the Week. He was a fifth-round pick of the Baltimore Orioles in 2007.

"We are so excited and proud of Jake," said Schlossnagle. "This is the ultimate honor in international competition and, because of Jake's tenacious work ethic, he is very deserving. I have no doubt that he will represent our country and TCU with the highest level of performance and class."

Espineli, a member of the 2004 TCU team, was a 14th round pick of the San Francisco Giants. The left-hander is currently a member of the Giants Triple-A affliate, Fresno. He has made 34 appearances for the Grizzlies, posting a 2.06 ERA in 52 1/3 innings pitched. He has tallied 43 strikeouts and walked just six batters all season. Opponents are hitting just .235 off him.

"Eugene continues to improve and perform at a very high level in professional baseball and we are excited that he, too, will be representing TCU and the USA," said Schlossnagle. "It's always special to see hard work and outstanding character get rewarded."

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