With undefeated TC Colorado shutting out Canada 8-0 via mercy rule going into the game against Team Italy, Azzurre manager Federico Pizzolini knew this promising group of American D1 college all-stars might be kept off balance by the effective changeup of starting pitcher Alice Nicolini.
Against TC Colorado in the Canada Cup, the Team Italy lineup looked like this: Marta Gasparotto, C; Alessandra Rotondo, 2B; Erika Piancastelli, RF; McKenzie Barbara, DP; Andrea Filler, SS; Giulia Longhi, 3B; Elisa Cecchetti, 1B; Giulia Koutsoyanopulos, CF; Fabrizia Marrone, LF; and Alice Nicolini, P.
Starter Alice Nicolini surrendered a solo homer to Erin Coffey in the top of the first inning to give TC Colorado a 1-0 advantage.
TC Colorado countered with lefty starting pitcher Mariah Lopez, who posted a 23-6 record in 191.2 innings of work with 201 strikeouts and a 2.15 ERA during the 2023 regular season for the 15th nationally-ranked University of Utah Utes. She gave up a single to Erika Piancastelli but nothing else in the bottom of the first inning.
Alice Nicolini returned in the top of the second inning and got some help from her Team Italy defense. Alessandra Rotondo made a diving catch at second base, Fabrizia Marrone caught a popup in left field, and Giulia Koutsoyanopulos left her feet to make a shoestring catch in center field.
After TC Colorado leadoff hitter Danieca Coffey reached first on a bunt single in the top of the third inning, she stole second base and scored on the overthrow in center field from catcher Marta Gasparotto to put TC Colorado in front 2-0.
The hot-hitting Giulia Koutsoyanopulos hit a double in the gap to start the bottom of the third inning. TC Colorado went to the bullpen and summoned lefty relief pitcher Cassidy Curd, who went 18-3 in 127.1 innings with 159 strikeouts and a 1.65 ERA during the 2023 regular season at Duke University. It did not matter to Team Italy spark plug Alessandra Rotondo as she hit an RBI single to make it a 2-1 game.
Reese Atwood led off with a single in the top of the fourth inning but solid Azzurre defense from Erika Piancastelli, Giulia Longhi and Andrea Filler made sure Team Italy pitcher Alice Nicolini remained unscathed.
Team Italy was unable to take advantage of an opportunity to tie the ballgame in the bottom of the fourth inning. With two out, Giulia Longhi reached first base after being hit by a pitch and advanced to second base on a passed ball. TC Colorado reliever Cassidy Curd was fortunate to get a groundout by Elisa Cecchetti to end the scoring threat.
TC Colorado tried to manufacture an insurance run in the top of the fifth inning but was caught red handed. Daniela Coffey collected her second base hit off Alice Nicolini but was thrown out at second base by catcher Marta Gasparotto to record the third out.
Team Italy met one of the country’s finest collegiate pitchers in TC Colorado’s Karlyn Pickens after reliever Cassidy Curd gave up a bunt single by Alesandra Rotondo in the bottom of the sixth inning and gave way to closer Karlyn Pickens from softball powerhouse University of Tennessee. The Southeastern Conference (SEC) Freshman of the Year was also named All-SEC Second Team after completing the regular season with a 9-6 record and two saves in a team-high 24 appearances (81.2 innings with 94 strikeouts, five complete games and five shutouts).
The hard-throwing righty induced an Erika Piancastelli fielder’s choice and strikeouts of McKenzie Barbara and Andrea Filler to preserve the slim 2-1 lead. Karlyn Pickens returned in the bottom of the seventh inning to strike out the side, pick up the save and secure the TC Colorado 2-1 victory over Team Italy.
CANADA CUP STANDINGS AND SCORES
The Italians return to play another contest later tonight against Greece at 9 pm (ET). Team Italy concludes round-robin action on Friday, July 14, 2023 with two more games. The first takes place at 6:30 pm (ET) when playing Australia A before the nightcap against Mexico with the first pitch scheduled for 11:30 pm (ET). The Canada Cup playoffs begin on Saturday, July 15, 2023 and finish on Sunday, July 16 with the Gold Medal Final taking place at 9 pm (ET). Watch all the action on the Canada Cup Livestream.
Forza #Italia!
by Roberto Angotti
TEAM ITALY ROSTER
CANADA CUP OFFICIAL SCHEDULE
LIVESTREAM
Read also: Team Italy defeats Israel 9-2 for first Canada Cup win
(Photo of Team Italy before the TC Colorado game at the Canada Cup by Roberto Angotti)
