Without the help of injured pitcher and offensive spark plug Maya Milano, Team Italy was incomplete and at a disadvantage playing against undefeated Czech Republic in the U18 Women's European Softball Championship final in Prague on Saturday, July 24, 2021. Team Italy manager Andrea Longagnani called on starting pitcher Beatrice Nannetti, who gave up five earned runs on 10 hits with five strikeouts and one walk.
The Czechs got on the board early in the bottom of the second inning when they took a 2-0 lead. Team Italy scored one run in the top of the third inning after Sarah Bortolotti reached first base on an infield error, advanced to second base on a fielder's choice by Agnese Giacometti and later crossed the plate on an ensuing infield error. Czech Republic answered with two runs to take a 4-1 advantage in the bottom of the third inning.
Team Italy fought back by scoring two runs in the top of the fourth inning. A walk to Alessia Borracelli and back-to-back singles by Anita Bartoli and Sarah Bortolotti loaded the bases for Clara Carati, who put the ball in play and reached first base on a fielder's choice. Her productive out yielded two runs as Alessia Borracelli crossed the plate and Anita Bartoli also scored on a throwing error.
Within striking distance and down by a slim 4-3 margin, it appeared Team Italy had a chance to get back in the game. However, Czech Republic added insurance runs in the bottom of the fourth and sixth innings to secure the 6-3 victory and capture the U18 Women's European Softball Championship title. The Italians settled for the silver medal after suffering their only two losses of the international competition at the hands of the Czechs. Forza #Italia!
by Roberto Angotti
BOX SCORE
VIDEO REPLAY
OFFICIAL WEBSITE
(Photo of Czech Republic with U18 Women's European Softball Championship gold medals by Grega Valancic/WBSC Europe)
