Prior to the first pitch on the Trebic Nuclears diamond against Hungary in the 2023 European Baseball Championship, Team Italy sent out thoughts and prayers to the family of former Italian president Giorgio Napolitano, who recently passed away and had previously served the country as its leader from 2006 to 2015.
The Azzurri lineup enjoyed the addition of designated hitter Vito Friscia, who joined the team overnight. Missing in action was catcher Alberto Mineo, who was nursing a sore muscle. Giulio Monello took over duties behind the plate.
Starting pitcher Matteo Bocchi threw four innings and allowed Hungary just one run on two hits with six strikeouts. Reliever Mattia Aldegheri pitched two innings and gave up one run on three hits with three strikeouts. Nick Davis closed out the game throwing a scoreless seventh inning with one strikeout.
The Azzurri offense was fueled by Sebastiano Poma, who went a perfect 3-for-3 with two doubles, one walk, three RBI and one run scored. Leadoff hitter Natanael Batista picked up two hits, walked three times and scored twice. Federico Celli also had two hits with two RBI and one run scored. Giulio Monello took advantage of the start and registered two hits (including one double) with two RBI and one runs scored. Ricardo Paolini hit an RBI double, walked twice and scored twice. Mattia Mercuri also doubled, walked and scored.
HUNGARY-ITALY BOX SCORE
Team Italy returns to Trebic on Monday, September 25, 2023 for a game against Sweden at 11:30 am (ET). Watch the livestream HERE.
EUROPEAN BASEBALL CHAMPIONSHIP SCHEDULE/RESULTS
DOWNLOADABLE EURO BASEBALL CHAMPIONSHIP SCHEDULE
