Panamanians one-hit Team Italy in U18 Baseball World Cup

Panamanians one-hit Team Italy in U18 Baseball World Cup
12/09/2022
Team Italy suffered a 10-0 shutout to Panama via mercy rule after five innings in the U18 Baseball World Cup at LECOM Park in Bradenton, Florida on Monday, September 12, 2022

Team Italy (0-4) lost its fourth consecutive game in the U18 Baseball World Cup Opening Round against Panama (1-1) by a score of 10 to 0C at LECOM Park in Bradenton, Florida on Monday, September 12, 2022. The Italians return to LECOM Park on Tuesday, September 13, 2022 at 3 pm (ET) for their final Group B game against Australia (0-3).

Facing Team Italy for the first time, Panama starting pitcher Luis Aguilar threw four scoreless innings and allowed just one hit with four strikeouts and one walk. The Azzurri offense was limited to a single by slugger Andres Annunziata in the top of the first inning. Panama closer Moises Castillo pitched a hitless fifth inning to secure the 10-0 shutout over Team Italy.

Azzurri starting pitcher Riccardo Nepoti took the loss after surrendering five runs on five hits with two strikeouts and one walk in two innings of work. Reliever Diego Luciani gave up four runs on five hits with two strikeouts and one walk during his two-inning appearance. Closer Filippo Venditti was tagged for the 10th and final run which enforced the game-ending mercy rule in the bottom of the fifth inning.

ITALY-PANAMA BOX SCORE

Despite being winless so far in the U18 Baseball World Cup, Team Italy has played better than the 0-4 record indicates. Defending champion Chinese Taipei narrowly walked off to victory over the Italians in the bottom of the seventh inning by a score of 2 to 1 at Ed Smith Stadium in nearby Sarasota on Saturday, September 10, 2022.

Team Italy hopes to fare better than the last time meeting Australia in the 2017 U18 Baseball Cup when the Aussies dominated the Italians 15-1 in Thunder Bay, Canada. The Azzurri will attempt to turn the tables against Australia at LECOM Park on Tuesday, September 13, 2022 at 3 pm (ET).

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Forza #Italia!

by Roberto Angotti

(Photo of Panama starter Luis Aguilar pitching against Team Italy courtesy of WBSC)