While the actual Games that start later this week are oceans away in China, local baseball fans were treated to a taste of Olympic action on Friday when the United States took on Canada at the USA Baseball Complex in the first game of a four-game series. The rest of the series was played Saturday-Monday in Durham.

Although the Americans fell 4-3 on Friday, fans of both squads got to see their national teams up close without having to cross several continents. Meanwhile, the teams were able to use the exhibition games as a final warm-up for Beijing.

“It’s fun. Obviously, you don’t get to see an Olympic team in person very often,” said Cary resident Craig Reist. “It’s great they are out there representing our country. I kind of feel like a little kid out here [watching them],” said Mike Brody, also of Cary. “[I enjoy] knowing these guys are going off to China and representing our country.”

While Reist and Brody didn’t have to travel far to see their team, others like Tamara Moir and her daughter Chelsea Corrente did. They trekked 12 hours from Chatham, Ontario for the series. Corrente’s husband, David Corrente, is a catcher for Canada and plays for the Single-A affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays in Florida.

“It’s really neat. It’s always been something he’s worked toward,” said Chelsea Corrente, with the couple’s 6-month-old baby Noah in tow. “Being able to see him represent our country is great.”

This week, Chelsea has a much longer journey, as she will join her husband in Beijing.

“I’m so excited,” she said. “It’s going to be quite the experience.”

While the American players hope for a better experience in Beijing than Friday’s game, the exhibition proved to be a valuable tool for the team.

“We’re using the games to get a final tune-up, so we can mesh and be at the top of our game,” said U.S. pitcher Jake Arrieta.

“We can get the jitters out of the way and put on a show for those guys who support USA baseball,” said second baseman Brian Barden. “It’s just like spring training, except it’s a short spring training.”

As families set up blankets on the hills in left and right fields and kids chased foul balls, the family-centered night was topped off with a fireworks show as American-themed songs like Bruce Springsteen’s “Born in the USA” blared over the loudspeakers.

Days from now, the atmosphere will be slightly different, to say the least, as Team USA won’t be playing in front of its home crowd.

“It’s extra special for the main reason we’re not going to be able to have that in Beijing,” Arrieta said. “To have these uniforms on and see our fans see us is pretty special.”

Adding to the experience is that this group may be the last to represent the U.S. in the Olympics. Baseball will not be on the Olympic schedule in 2012 and it remains to be seen if it will be put back for the 2016 Games.

“It’s a great honor,” Barden said. “Growing up, you want to be a big leaguer and represent your country.”