December 18, 2024

OC Sports Zone: Community First

Former Northwood and UCLA pitching star Zack Weiss helps Israel notch first Olympics win

Former UCLA baseball star Zack Weiss helped Israel’s Olympic baseball team make history Saturday in the Tokyo Olympics. (Photo courtesy UCLA Athletic Communications)

Weiss was the winning pitcher in the team’s 12-5 victory over Mexico in an elimination game, according to UCLA Athletic Communications. It was Israel’s first win ever in the Olympic Games.

Weiss, who is in the Seattle Mariners organization, pitched two innings in relief with three strikeouts. He allowed one run on two hits.

“How great is it to pitch in the Olympics and then be able to say that you got the first baseball win for the country you represent,” former Northwood Coach Rob Stuart told OC Sports Zone Sunday. “Zack is such a great person that deserves all the success that has come his way.”

Team Israel moves on to face Korea Sunday night with the winner moving on to the semifinals.

Another former UCLA player, Eric Filia, has started in right field for the United States team and had two hits in the team’s opening win. Filia played at Edison High School.

—Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone; timburt@ocsportszone.com