Team Italy guarantees Women's European Softball Championship final berth with 11-0 shutout over Israel

Team Italy guarantees Women's European Softball Championship final berth with 11-0 shutout over Israel
02/07/2021
WIth a 11-0 shutout over Israel on July 2, 2021, undefeated Team Italy has won nine games straight in the Women's European Softball Championship in Friuli-Venezia Giulia

Team Italy manager Federico Pizzolini wants to win every game in the 2021 Women's Softball Championship, and he has an excellent chance of making it happen with his dynamic Azzurre squad. Entering the contest on Friday afternoon, July 2, 2021 against Israel in Castions di Strada, the Italians had dominated the international tournament by outscoring opponents 95-1.

Starting pitcher Alexia Lacatena, who yesterday threw a one-hitter in Team Italy's 10-0 shutout over Germany, was just as effective against Israel by allowing just three hits with eight strikeouts no walks in four innings of work.

The Azzurre offense scored two runs in the bottom of the first inning. Amanda Fama singled and advanced to third base on a double by Emily Carosone. A walk to Erika Piancastelli loaded the bases for Andrea Filler, who delivered an RBI single. The second run crossed the plate when Brittany Abacherli was issued a walk.

Team Italy added three runs to the board in the bottom of the second inning. After being hit by a pitch, Giulia Koutsoyanopulos stole second and advanced to third base on a wild pitch. She came home on a sacrifice fly by Andrea Howard. Amanda Fama followed with an infield single. Then Emily Carosone walked. Both runners scored on an RBI double from Andrea Filler.

The offensive attack by the Italians went into full effect when six runs scored in the bottom of the third inning. The speedy Fabrizia Marrone reached first base on an infield single, and Melany Sheldon walked. Both baserunners got into scoring position on a perfectly-executed sacrifice bunt by Giulia Koutsoyanopulos. A two-run single from Andrea Howard put the game out of reach 7-0. Team Italy went ballistic from that point on. Amanda Fama doubled down the left field line, and Emily Carosone walked. Then Azzurre slugger Erika Piancastelli crushed a grand slam to end the game via mercy rule with Team Italy on top 11-0.

Team Italy returns for another game in Castions di Strada this afternoon at 5:30 pm against France. Watch the highlights and postgame interviews on FIBS TV. Forza #Italia! #PerEnrico

by Roberto Angotti

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(Photo of Giulia Koutsoyanopulos celebrating with Andrea Howard after scoring for Team Italy by EzR/Nadoc)