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USMNT Coach Pochettino to Throw First Pitch at Mariners Game
Mauricio Pochettino will throw the ceremonial first pitch before the Seattle Mariners host the Toronto Blue Jays on Friday. The full U.S. men's national team will also be recognized at the game, which sits across from their World Cup venue.
Jul 3, 5:16 PM·1m read1 source
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Usa Today reported that U.S. men's national team coach Mauricio Pochettino has been asked to throw out the first pitch at the Seattle Mariners game against the Toronto Blue Jays on Friday, July 3. The entire USMNT squad will be recognized before the contest.
The game takes place across the street from where the Americans face Belgium in the round of 16 on Monday, July 6. Pochettino practiced throws before the team's training session on Friday and showed good arc and distance on several tosses. Goalkeeper Matt Turner offered pointers during the session.
Turner played baseball in high school and threw out the first pitch at a Los Angeles Angels game last month. Several USMNT players later staged an impromptu baseball game near the training site. The team is working out at the University of Washington's soccer stadium, which sits next to the Huskies' baseball stadium.
Pochettino was born and raised in Argentina and spent much of his adult life in Europe. Tyler Adams told Fox Sports that baseball is not a popular sport in Argentina. Gio Reyna told USA TODAY Sports that Pochettino has embraced country music since arriving in the United States, listening to Ella Langley in his office and singing "Country Roads" after matches.
"He listens to more country music than anyone now," Reyna said.
