Team Italy improved from its fourth-place finish last year to win the U12 European Baseball Championship bronze medal in Valenciennes, France after beating Czech Republic 11-7 on Sunday, July 9, 2023. Trailing 7-4 after two innings, the Italians scored twice in the top of the third inning and once in the top of the fourth inning to tie the ballgame. In the top of the sixth inning, an RBI double by Ryan Hechavarria followed by a three-run home run by Flavio Casoria would amount to a four-run rally that would earn the Azzurrini the bronze medal.
Starter Mattia Campanini and winning pitcher Leonardo Perracino combined their efforts on the mound to keep the game close.
ITALY-CZECH REPUBLIC BOX SCORE
Overall, the Team Italy offense fared well against their Euro opponents. During the competition, Leonardo Perracino ranked first in triples (2), second in home runs (3) and fourth in RBI (9). Alessandro Barbieri ranked second in runs scored (11). Carlo Pezzulo ranked third in doubles (4), and Serse Bonelli ranked fourth in batting average (.643).
Forza #Italia!
by Roberto Angotti
U12 EUROPEAN BASEBALL CHAMPIONSHIP STATS
U12 EUROPEAN BASEBALL CHAMPIONSHIP RESULTS
(Photo of Team Italy’s Ryan Hechavarria after hitting an RBI double against Czech Republic in the U12 European Baseball Championship bronze medal game by LG-FIBS)
