Team Italy beats Curacao 5-3 for first Haarlem Baseball Week victory
Team Italy kicked off Haarlem Baseball Week with a 2-1 loss to host Kingdom of the Netherlands on Friday, July 8, 2022 and returned two days later to suffer a 9-0 shutout to USA. Azzurri manager Mike Piazza knew that the game against Curacao was a must-win contest in order to reach the semifinals. He sent out starter Angelo Palumbo on the mound with the expectation that the Venezuelan-Italian pitcher would get the job done.
Curacao, a team that lost to undefeated Japan 1-0 and beat Kingdom of the Netherlands 8-6, countered with starter Ruderly Manuel, who was last seen pitching in Italy for Godo Knights a decade ago.
Angelo Palumbo got two quick outs in the top of the first inning before giving up a double to Curacao shortstop Darren Serafina. The speedy infielder stole third base and scored on a throwing error to third base by Azzurri catcher Alberto Mineo.
Team Italy answered with one run in the bottom of the first inning to tie the game. After back-to-back singles by Ricardo Paolini and Vito Friscia, Alberto Mineo grounded into a 3-6-3 double play while Ricardo Paolini advanced to third base. Cleanup hitter Renzo Martini followed with an RBI single. Noel Gonzalez also singled, but both runners were stranded on base when Federico Celli struck out to end the inning.
Despite singles by Mattia Mercuri and Ricardo Paolini in the bottom of the second inning, Team Italy was unable to cash in. The double play haunted the Italians again in the bottom of the third inning when Alberto Mineo walked and Renzo Martini hit into 3-6-1 double play to end any potential rally.
Team Italy finally broke through in the bottom of the fourth inning with three runs. Federico Celli reached first base on a fielding error by shortstop Darren Serafina. He advanced to second base on a sacrifice bunt by Erick Epifano and moved on to third base on an infield single from Mattia Mercuri. Left fielder Andrea Sellaroli followed with an RBI single.
Since Ricardo Paolini had already collected two hits off starter Ruderly Manuel, Curacao manager Hainley Statia summoned Cerilio Soleana from the bullpen to face the Team Italy leadoff hitter. Ricardo Paolini responded with his third hit of the game to load the bases for right fielder Vito Frescia, who hit a sacrifice fly to center field to give the Italians their second run of the inning. An ensuing balk by reliever Cerilio Soleana allowed Andrea Sellaroli to score from third base and give Team Italy the 4-1 lead.
Pitcher Alex Bassani relieved starter Angelo Palumbo in the top of the fifth inning. With one out, he surrendered a double to Stephan Vidal but two flyouts ended the scoring threat.
Team Italy nearly added a run in the bottom of the fifth inning, but a close play at the plate ended the inning. With one out, DH Noel Gonzalez registered his second hit of the contest. Then Federico Celli was caught looking for out number two. Mattia Mercuri was hit by a pitch to load the bases for Andrea Sellaroli, who grounded into a fielder's choice.
Curacao scored twice in the top of the sixth inning to make it a 4-3 game. Singles by Rayshelon Carolina, Darren Serafina and Johannes Gregroius Jr. led to the two runs charged to Italian reliever Alex Basani.
Team Italy added a valuable insurance run in the bottom of the sixth inning to take a 5 to 3 lead. With one out, Curacao reliever Risandro Pastor entered the ballgame. Philadelphia Phillies prospect Vito Frescia was issued a walk before Alberto Mineo flew out to right field for the second out. Then back-to-back singles by Renzo Martini and Noel Gonzalez allowed Vito Frescia to cross the plate.
Alex Bassani returned to pitch the bottom of the seventh inning. After striking out Stephan Vidal, he walked Shurendell Mujica. Alex Bassani dug deep and struck out Sherman Lacrus for out number two. Pinch hitter Alexander Rodriguez represented the tying run for Curacao. It was a flair for the dramatic as his flyout to center field clinched the victory for Team Italy and winning pitcher Alex Bassani.
The Italians now take on Haarlem Baseball Week defending champion Japan on Tuesday, July 12, 2022 at 12 noon (local time). Team Italy concludes Haarlem Baseball Week Opening Round play against Cuba on Wednesday, July 13, 2022 at 12 noon (local time).
The top four teams will qualify for the semifinals on Thursday, July 14, 2022 at 3:30 pm (local time) and 7:30 pm (local time). The two winners 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 BASEBALL WEEK 2022 SCHEDULE AND RESULTS
HAARLEM BASEBALL 2022 WEEK NEWS
by Roberto Angotti
(Photo of Team Italy starting pitcher Angelo Palumbo against Curacao at Haarlem Baseball Week 2022)
