Poderi Dal Nespoli Forlì takes 2-0 lead in Italian Softball Series

Poderi Dal Nespoli Forlì takes 2-0 lead in Italian Softball Series
02/10/2021
The return of team captain Erika Piancastelli combined with outstanding Poderi Dal Nespoli Forlì starting pitching performances by Ilaria Cacciamani and Samantha Sheeley was enough to win the first two games of the Italian Softball Series over MKF Bollate by scores of 2-0 and 4-1.

In the game one Italian Softball Series pitching showdown between MKF Bollate's Greta Cecchetti and Poderi Dal Nespoli Forlì's Ilaria Cacciamani in Bollate on October 2, 2021, Ilaria Cacciamania threw a three-hit shutout with 10 strikeouts and six walks to lead Forli to a 2-0 victory over Bollate.

Poderi Dal Nespoli Forlì scored the only runs of the game in the top of the third inning. With one out, Martina Laghi singled to left field. Elda Ghilardi followed with a bunt single. Greta Cecchetti battled back with a strikeout of leadoff hitter Laura Vigna. Then Miriana Cerioni grounded a ball between the catcher and pitcher. Catcher Elisa Cecchetti fielded the ball on a difficult bounce, spun around and threw the ball off course to first base. The wild throw even got past right fielder Irene Costa and two runs crossed the plate. That was all the offense Poderi Dal Nespoli Forlì needed to secure the 2-0 win over MKF Bollate.

GAME 1 BOX SCORE

In game two of the Italian Softball Series, Poderi Dal Nespoli Forlì sent out starting pitcher Samantha Sheeley. MKF Bollate countered with hurler Caylan Arnold. Samantha Sheeley prevailed at the end of the game with the win after giving up just one run on eight hits with five strikeouts and three walks.

Poderi Dal Nespoli Forli got on the board first in the top of the second inning with one run. Carlotta Onofri singled, advanced to third base on a double by Martina Laghi and scored on an ensuing infield error to give Forlì a slim 1-0 advantage.

MKF Bollate answered in the bottom of the second inning and tied the game up 1-1. Irene Costa reached first base on an infield single, advanced to second base on a sacrifice bunt by Marta Chiodaroli and later scored on an infield error.

Poderi Dal Nespoli Forlì regained the 2-1 lead in the top of the third inning after a solo home run by slugger Erika Piancastelli. Two more runs were added in the top of the seventh inning. The rally started when Laura Vigna singled and advanced to second base on infield error which also allowed Miriana Cerioni to reach first base. Then Laura Vigna crossed the plate on an RBI single from Erika Piancastelli. Miriana Cerioni later scored on a fielder's choice by Beatrice Ricchi to put Poderi Dal Nespoli Forlì on top 4-1.

GAME 2 BOX SCORE

The Italian Softball Series continue next weekend in Forli. Catch all the action on www.FIBSTV.com Forza #Italia!

by Roberto Angotti

(Photo of Erika Piancastelli's home run swing by KR73/Nadoc)