University of Arizona Athletics

 DURHAM, N.C. ?- Arizona sophomores Mark Melancon and Jason Donald have been invited to tryouts for the 2005 USA Baseball National Team, the organization announced on Monday. The pair of Wildcats are among 12 newcomers that will join the initial list of 12 that were announced earlier this month.

 Donald, Arizona’s starting shortstop, participated in the tryouts for the national team after his freshman season last summer. The trials invitation for Wildcat closer Melancon is a first for him.

 Donald is currently batting .289 with 14 doubles, 32 RBI and 36 runs scored for the top 10-ranked Wildcats. Melancon has posted a 3-3 overall record with a team-best nine saves and a 2.29 ERA in 29 appearances for Arizona this season. He has struck out 64 batters in 59 innings pitched.

 “It’s an honor to have Mark and Jason invited to the tryouts and potentially represent the United States on the baseball field,” Arizona head coach Andy Lopez said. “Jason had a very positive experience last summer at the trials and Mark is looking forward to competing with some of the top talent in the country.”

 The 2005 USA Baseball National Team Trials will be held June 27-30 in Raleigh, North Carolina. The USA Baseball National Team will be selected from a pool of 36 players, of which 12 have yet to be determined. The official 20-man team roster will be announced on July 1.

 The 2005 USA Baseball National Team will participate in the 34th Annual USA vs. Japan Collegiate Championship Series in Japan, July 8-12 and a Friendship Series vs. Taiwan in Chinese Taipei, July 15-19 prior to returning home to play six exhibition games at Durham Bulls Athletic Park this summer, July 22-24 & July 29-31. USA Baseball will announce a full National Team game schedule at a later date.
 
 Current Wildcat Trevor Crowe was a member of the 2004 USA Baseball National Team that won the gold medal at the World Baseball University Championships in Tainan, Taiwan, last summer.

2005 USA BASEBALL NATIONAL TEAM TRIALS ROSTER
as of May 23
(Most recent invitees in bold)