Trinity’s Andrew Carlson was named to the USA Baseball 18U National Team, which will compete in the World Baseball Softball Confederation American U-18 Pan American Championship from Oct. 22 to 29 in the Dominican Republic.   Carlson, who ended the 2026 baseball season with all-Califo rnia Interscholastic Federation honors after leading the Knights to a semifinalist finish in the Division 6 playoffs, was named to the final 20-player roster following the 18U National Team training camp, held in Cary, North Carolina, last week.   The senior right-hander said in an interview with The Signal that being named to Team USA 18U roster for the Pan American Championship is an honor and he is eager to fight for gold.   “This means a lot to me. Growing up watching USA baseball and how they represented our country is awesome,” Carlson said. “I’ve always dreamt of wearing USA across my chest and getting this incredible opportunity to go to the Dominican Republic is amazing.”   Carlson wrapped up his junior campaign with a 0.83 earned run average, and 150 strikeouts across 76 innings pitched. Prior to Carlson’s junior season, the right-hander announced his commitment to play collegiate baseball at Texas Christian University.   The final roster came after the 18U National Team’s training camp, which was held in two phases throughout July and August. Phase 1 featured an 88-player roster, while phase 2 hosted 46 athletes vying for the 20-person roster.   The 2026 18U National Team is led by 13-year major leaguer Brian Schneider, who will make his managerial debut with the program.   The WBSC U-18 Pan American Championship serves as a qualifying event for the 2027 WBSC U-18 Baseball World Cup, which is set to be held in Pingtan, China.   “If you told myself at 12 years old that I was going to be doing this, I would have thought you were lying,” Carlson said. “Representing the USA isn’t just for yourself, it’s bigger than you, the coaching staff and all the other players we have to come together as brothers and work to earn that gold medal, which is our end goal.”   The team will meet for three days of training prior to the competition, Oct. 17-19, with the U.S set to begin international play on Oct. 22.   The post Trinity’s Andrew Carlson named to USA Baseball U18 team appeared first on Santa Clarita Valley Signal. ...read more read less