In a five-inning mercy-rule enforced debut, Team Italy slaughtered Slovakia 12-1 on day one of the U15 European Baseball Championship in Trnava, Slovakia on Wednesday, July 21, 2021. The Italians wasted no time in getting on the board in the first inning when they scored seven runs. Team Italy added one run in the second inning and four more in the fourth inning.
Azzurrini spark plug and leadoff hitter Riccardo Mazzanti went 3-for-4 with one double, one RBI and two runs scored. Edoardo Cornelli collected two hits with one double, two RBI and two runs scored. Duccio Cassini also contributed with a two RBI double.
Team Italy pitchers combined for a no-hitter against Slovakia. Starter Matteo Marelli threw two scoreless innings with three strikeouts and one walk. Reliever Giacomo Taschin struck out the side in the third inning. Closer Alex Giovanardi pitched the fourth and fifth innings to seal the deal for Team Italy.
BOX SCORE
Team Italy (1-0) returns for a contest against Austria (0-1) tomorrow. Kingdom of the Netherlands (1-0) easily defeated Austria 15-0 via mercy rule in four innings. Forza #Italia!.
by Roberto Angotti
U15 European Baseball Championship Official Website
Read also: U15 European Baseball Championship begins for Team Italy on July 21, 2021
