Team Italy defeats Kingdom of the Netherlands 2-1 in Women's European Softball Championship final round robin game 1

Team Italy defeats Kingdom of the Netherlands 2-1 in Women's European Softball Championship final round robin game 1
01/07/2021
Undefeated Team Italy took one step closer in repeating as Euro Champs by beating Kingdom of the Netherlands 2-1 in game one of the Women's European Softball Championship final round robin on July 1, 2021

Team Italy manager Federico Pizzolini took no chances when facing Kingdom of the Netherlands in game one of the Women's European Softball Championship final round robin on Thursday night, July 1, 2021 in Castions de Strada. The Italian skipper called on Azzurre pitching ace Greta Cecchetti to keep the win streak alive in the international competition.

Having won seven games straight and outscored opponents 93-0 before the first pitch against the Dutch, Team Italy was a bit surprised to see their scoreless streak break in the top of the first inning when Kingdom of the Netherlands took the 1-0 lead. The resilient Italians answered back with one run of their own in the bottom half of the inning when leadoff hitter Brittany Abacherli walked, advanced into scoring position on an infield single by Andrea Howard and finally crossed the plate on Emily Carosone's fielder's choice.

Team Italy regained possession of the contest with a 2-1 advantage in the bottom of the fourth inning when Andrea Filler tripled and scored on a sacrifice fly by Giulia Longhi. It appeared the Azzurre squad was on the verge of breaking the game open when Giulia Koutsoyanopulos doubled down the right field line, but the promising University of Arizona infielder was left stranded on second base.

Team Italy shortstop Amanda Fama saved what may have been an extra-base hit if she had not caught a scorching line drive in the top of the sixth inning. But the night belonged to the combination of starting pitcher Iron Greta Cecchetti, who allowed the Dutch just one run on six hits with six strikeouts and two walks, and reliever Ilaria Cacciamani, who secured the win for Team Italy with a game-ending strikeout when there was a 3-2 count and bases loaded in the top of the seventh inning..

Team Italy returns to Castions de Strada tomorrow for a clash against Israel at 12:30 pm and a battle against France at 5:30 pm. Watch the highlights and postgame interviews on FIBSTV. Forza #Italia! #PerEnrico

by Roberto Angotti

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