After beating South Africa 2-1 the day prior, Team Italy won its second consecutive U18 Baseball World Cup Placement Round (7 to 12) game by defeating Canada 3-2 at Ed Smith Stadium in Sarasota, Florida on Friday, September 16, 2022.
Azzurri U18 manager Francesco Aluffi called on Pittsburgh Pirates pitching prospect Alessandro Erocolani to combat the Canadians. The Italians got on the board first in the top of third inning when Team Italy cashed in a walk issued to Diego Luciano. He advanced to third base on back-to-back singles by Edoardo Cornelli and Manuel Zappa and crossed the plate on a sacrifice fly from Williams Wong.
Starting pitcher Alessandro Erocolani was in control of the contest having thrown three hitless innings and enjoying a 1-0 lead going into the fourth inning. However, Canada fought back with two runs in the bottom of the fourth inning to take a slim 2-1 advantage.
Team Italy answered in the top of the fifth inning when putting up one run to even the score 2-2. Edoardo Cornelli led off with a walk, advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt by Manuel Zazza and scored on an RBI single by Williams Wong.
Italian ace Alessandro Erocolani returned to pitch the bottom of the fifth inning but was replaced by reliever Sebastiano Catellani with two outs and a runner on third base. The crafty left-handed pitcher averted trouble quickly when he got Canada leadoff hitter Dylan O'Rae to flyout to end the scoring threat. Sebastiano Catellani eventually earned the victory after pitching 2.1 scoreless innings and allowing just one hit with two strikeouts and one walk.
Team Italy scored the winning run in the top of the seventh inning. After reaching first base on a fielder's choice, Diego Luciani advanced to second base on single by Edoardo Cornelli. A groundout by Manuel Zazza put both runners into scoring position. Then an infield single between the pitcher and first baseman by Williams Wong allowed Diego Luciani to score from third base and put Team Italy on top 3 to 2.
ITALY-CANADA BOX SCORE
The Italians return to Ed Smith Stadium in Sarasota on Saturday, September 17, 2022 at 9 am (ET) for their final game of the U18 Baseball World Cup Placement Round against Brazil. Should Team Italy win its third consecutive game, the Azzurri will be among the Top 10 U18 Baseball World Cup teams.
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Forza #Italia!
by Roberto Angotti
(Photo of Team Italy slugger WIlliams Wong against Canada courtesy of WBSC)
