National Baseball Hall of Famer and Team Italy manager Mike Piazza knew it was a must-win game against Cuba on Wednesday, July 13, 2022 in order for the Azzurri elite squad to keep alive the hope of advancing to the Haarlem Baseball Week semifinals.
Cuba starting pitcher Cesar Garcia gave up a leadoff hitter to Ricardo Paolini, who was thrown out at third base on a fielder's choice by Noel Gonzalez to stomp out any scoring opportunity for Team Italy in the top of the first inning.
Team Italy starter Gabriele Quattrini held Cuba scoreless for six innings and allowed just four hits with three strikeouts and two walks before handing the ball off in the seventh inning to reliever Mattia Aldegheri, who earned the save.
Team Italy took a 1-0 lead In the top of the second inning. Back-to-back singles by Dario Pizzano and Alberto Mineo was followed by a sacrifice bunt by Erick Epifano to advance the runners into scoring position. A fielder's choice by Mattia Mercuri allowed Dario Pizzano to cross the plate.
In the top of the third inning, the Team Italy offense was limited to a Vito Frescia single. An RBI single by Noel Gonzalez off Cuban lefty sidearm reliever Paradelo Aguilar in the top of the fifth inning put Team Italy on top 2-0.
Both teams went to bullpen in the seventh inning. Cuba called on reliever Carlos Santana, who pitched an easy 1-2-3 out inning. Team Italy brought in Mattia Aldegheri to pick up the save and secure the 2-0 shutout.
ITALY-CUBA BOX SCORE
Team Italy returns for another contest against Cuba to determine 5th and 6th place in Haarlem Baseball Week on Thursday, July 14, 2022 at 12 noon (local time). The semifinals take place later at 3:30 pm (local time) and 7:30 pm (local time).
The two winners of the semifinal contests will go head-to-head in the Haarlem Baseball Week Championship on Friday, July 15, 2022 at 7 pm (local time). The two losers will play in the Bronze Medal Game earlier in the day at 2 pm (local time). Forza #Italia!
HAARLEM WEEK 2022 SCHEDULE AND RESULTS
HAARLEM WEEK 2022 NEWS
by Roberto Angotti
(Photo of Team Italy pitcher Gabriele Quattrini against Cuba at Haarlem Baseball Week 2022)
