Czechs edge Team Italy 10-9 in U15 Softball World Cup Placement Round
Team Italy could not hold on to a 9-4 lead after Czech Republic rallied for five runs in the sixth inning and a decisive run in the seventh to prevail in the 10-9 victory at the U15 Softball World Cup at the Komazawa Olympic Park Sports Complex on October 26, 2023. The Italians return on Saturday, October 28, 2023 at 2 pm (local time) for their final game against Brazil.
Team Italy sought revenge on the Czech Republic in the U15 Softball World Cup 7-12 Placement Round on Thursday, October 26, 2023 in Tokyo after having lost 10-0 to the Czechs over 15 months ago in the 2022 U15 European Softball Championship final; however, the defending Euro champions came from behind late in the game and edged Team Italy 10-9
Despite Team Italy starting pitcher Giulia Squalizza giving up two runs in the top of the second, the Italian offense came to life and scored three runs in the bottom of the third inning after a two-run double from Caterina Turci and an RBI triple by Rebecca Soldi.
The Czech Republic regained a slim 4-3 in the top of the fourth inning. Team Italy answered with three runs in the bottom of the fourth inning and added three more in the bottom of the fifth inning to take a commanding 9-4 advantage.
In the top of the sixth inning after the Czech Republic scored twice, Team Italy reliever Federica Forlani entered the contest with two runners on base. The Czechs went on to score three more runs and tied the game 9-9. Another run crossed the plate in the top of the seventh inning to secure the Czech Republic 10-9 victory.
