Not even inclement weather could not dampen the Azzurrini party on opening day of the U12 European Baseball Championship in Mortsel, Belgium on August 10, 2021. As more rain poured, Team Italy continued to add even more runs in the 23-0 shutout over Poland. Team Italy manager Stefano Burato sent out starting pitcher Michele Dal Pozzo, who cruised through two innings and only allowed one hit with six strikeouts. The combination of relievers Matteo Chinello and Francesco Carlini in the third inning registered another three strikeouts.
The Team Italy offense was led by Dario Lomi (1-2, 2B, 2BB, RBI, 3R), Patrick Silva (2-2, BB, 2RBI, 3R), Matteo Chinello (3-3, 2-2B, HR, BB, 4 RBI, 3 R) , Mattia Pasotto (1-2, 2B, 2BB, RBI, 3R), Federico Magalotti (2-2, 2B, BB, 2RBI, 2R), Cristian Severino (1-1, BB, 2 RBI , R) and Elia Plusigh (2-2, BB, RBI, 3R). The Italians scored four runs in the first and second innings before rallying for 15 more in the third inning to eliminate Poland via mercy rule 23-0.
Team Italy U12 manager Stefano Burato said, “We put the first brick in, but now we have to put down more. It was important to break the ice, and we did it in the best possible way. We started off on the right foot, and we need to remain focused.”
Team Italy returns for two games on Wednesday, August 11, 2021 beginning with a clash against the Czech Republic at 9.30 am followed by a battle against Hungary at 3 pm. Forza #Italia!
BOX SCORE
CALENDAR, RESULTS AND PLAY-BY-PLAY
STANDINGS
by Roberto Angotti
(Photo of Team Italy’s Matteo Chinello scoring in the first inning against Poland by LG / FIBS)
