Team Italy U18 softball manager Andrea Longagnani called on starting pitcher Silvia Aroldi, who threw four innings of no-hit ball with five strikeouts and one walk before reliever Sara Desii surrendered Ukraine’s only hit of the game but ended the top of the fifth inning on a high note with a strikeout.
The Italians offense went right to work in the bottom of the first inning and scored three runs. After Sveva Moggi singled and Noemi Cortesi walked, Lucia Polini hit an RBI single up the middle. Then Giorgia Zenari connected with a two-run triple.
Team Italy enforced the mercy-rule in the bottom of the fifth inning when putting up another four runs. Carlotta Villa reached second base on an infield throwing error to first, stole third base and crossed the plate on an ensuing throwing error. Three RBI singles by Sveva Moggi, Lucia Polini and Felicia Di Pancrazio secured the 7-0 mercy-rule shutout over Ukraine.
ITALY-UKRAINE BOX SCORE
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The Italians return for two games on Tuesday, August 1, 2023 beginning with an 8:30 am (local time) battle against Denmark followed by an afternoon contest at 3:15 pm (local time) versus Sweden.
SCHEDULE, RESULTS AND PLAY-BY-PLAY
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Forza #Italia!
by Roberto Angotti
(Photo of winning pitcher Silvia Aroldi giving a high five to Team Italy manager Andrea Longagnani during the game against Ukraine by LG-FIBS)
