Team Italy beat previously undefeated Germany 19-11 in the U12 European Baseball Championship semifinals in Mortsel, Belgium on Friday, August 13, 2021. As a result, the Azzurrini squad automatically qualifies as one of the two top European representatives at the upcoming U12 Baseball World Cup in Taiwan.
Team Italy manager Stefano Burato knew what he had to do in the must-win game against Germany in order to reach the U12 European Baseball Championship final. The experienced Italian skipper sent Matteo Chinello out to the mound to keep the Germans off balance. The starting pitcher threw for three solid innings and limited the powerful German offence to five earned runs on six hits with nine strikeouts and one walk. Reliever Federico Magalotti pitched the final three innings and allowed just three earned runs on seven hits with three strikeouts and one walk.
In addition to earning the win for the Azzurrini squad, Matteo Chinello helped Team Italy with his bat. He went 4-for-5 with two doubles, a stolen base, two RBI and three runs scored. The Italians scored three runs in the top of the first inning. After Cristian Severino singled andDario Lomi walked, Matteo Chinello hit an RBI double to give Team Italy the 1-0 lead. Then a throwing error by Germany pitcher Benito Bull allowed Dario Lomi and Matteo Chinello to cross the plate and put the Azzurrini on top 3-0.
Team Italy rallied for 11 runs in the top of the third inning to take a commanding 14-0 advantage. Offensive highlights included a ground-rule RBI double by Matteo Chinello and a three-run home run from Patrick Silva. Team Italy added two runs in the top of the fourth inning and three more in the top of the sixth inning. Other notable contributions came from Cristian Severino (3-5, 3B, 3RBI, 3R), Federico Magalotti (2-4, 2 RBI, 2 R), Dario Lomi (2-2, 3 BB, SB, 4 R) and Pablo Suarez (3-4, SB, RBI, 2 R).
BOX SCORE
With the 19-11 victory over Germany, Team Italy advances to the U12 European Baseball Championship final against undefeated Czech Republic on Saturday, August 14, 2021 at 5:30 pm (local time). Team Italy lost to Czech Republic 7-3 when they clashed on August 11, 2021. The Italians hope to turn the tables on the Czechs when it matters most in the Euro final. Kingdom of the Netherlands and Germany battle for the Euro bronze prior to the U12 European Baseball Championship final at 3 pm (local time). Forza #Italia!
CALENDAR, RESULTS AND PLAY-BY-PLAY
STANDINGS
by Roberto Angotti
(Photo of Team Italy manager Stefano Burato with Azzurrini player Pablo Suarez by LG/FIBS)
