Team Italy defeats host San Marino 4-1 in exhibition baseball game

Team Italy defeats host San Marino 4-1 in exhibition baseball game
24/05/2022
The Italian elite national team was victorious against San Marino on the Serravalle diamond where baseball fans were treated to a day of fun, music and games on Tuesday, May 24, 2022

Long before the 7:30 pm clash between Team Italy and host San Marino, the baseball party started in the early afternoon at Serravalle stadium with a slew of activities for those in attendance. San Marino manager Doriano Bindi served as Azzurri manager for the exhibition game and handed off his usual managerial duties to assistant coach Claudio Del Santo. The seven-inning contest attracted a good crowd of enthusiast baseball fanatics, including the young players from San Marino Baseball and Torre Pedrera Falcons, who lined up early at 5 pm to watch batting practice. The teams were given the opportunity to meet the Italian elite national baseball squad and get autographs before the exhibition game. Food trucks surrounded the stadium and music filled the air to create a festive environment in San Marino.

Republic of San Marino Secretary of State for Sport Teodoro Lonfernini threw out the first pitch. Former MLB pitcher and San Marino ace André Rienzo struck out the side to silence Team Italy in the first inning, but reliever Rene Mazzocchi fell victim to a solo home run by Azzurri catcher Alberto Mineo to give Team Italy the 1-0 lead in the second inning.

The following inning San Marino pitcher Luca Raffaele surrendered three runs as a result of a flurry of hits by Aldo Koutsoyanopulos, Ricardo Paolini, Leo Ferrini, Ernesto Liberatore and Nico Garbella. Meanwhile, Team Italy starter Murilo Gouvea and reliever Matteo Bocchi kept San Marino scoreless.

Team Italy reliever Maurizio Andretta took the mound in the fourth inning and gave up an RBI double to Jesus Ustariz to make it a 4-1 game. Azzurri pitchers Alex Bassani and Nico Garbella preserved the Italian elite national team win with scoreless innings of work. The Team Italy offense was fueled by Ricardo Paolini (3-for-4), Alberto Mineo, Leo Ferrini and Nico Garbella (all three players going 2-for-4).

Forza #Italia!

by Roberto Angotti

(Photo of Tommaso Battioni throwing to first base to complete a double play while Federico Celli slides into second base by PhotoBass)