Team Italy kicked off the U18 European Softball Championship with a bang against Switzerland in a 21-1 three-inning mercy-rule landslide. The Italians went right to work in the top of the first inning scoring six runs. Highlights included a two-run double from Noemi Cortesi, who later scored on a sacrifice fly by Felcia Di Pancrazio, and a triple from Lucrezia Moretti, who also crossed the plate on a groundout by Carlotta VIlla.
The Swiss answered after an extended weather delay in the bottom of the first inning to score one run off winning pitcher Silvia Aroldi, who allowed one hit and one walk with two strikeout in one inning of work. Reliever Livia Bernardo pitched two hitless innings with one walk and four strikeouts to secure the Team Italy victory.
The Italians returned in the top of the second inning to put up another two runs on the board. Sveva Moggi singled up the middle, stole second base and scored on an RBI triple by Delia Manera, who later crossed the plate on an ensuing error by Swiss catcher Andrea Brandli.
Team Italy rallied for 13 runs in the top of the third inning to nail the coffin shut. The offensive fury was fueled largely by an RBI single by Caterina Binetti, a two-run single by Alice Spiotta, a two-run double by Lucia Polini, and a two-run double by Chiara Albertin, who later scored on an inside-the-park homer by slugger Lucia Polini.
ITALY-SWITZERLAND BOX SCORE
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Team Italy returns on Monday, July 31, 2023 at 8 am (ET) for a battle with Ukraine.
SCHEDULE, RESULTS AND PLAY-BY-PLAY
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Forza #Italia!
by Roberto Angotti
(Photo of the Team Italy U18 softball squad before the game against Switzerland by LG-FIBS)
