Team Italy manager Federico Pizzolini appeared confident that starting pitcher Alexia Lacatena would get the job done for the Azzurre softball squad in the placement game against Mexico in the World Games at Hoover Met Stadium on Wednesday, July 13, 2022. She surrendered just one run on six hits with two strikeouts and one walk to pick up the win for the Italians.
The Team Italy lineup card looked like this: Laura Vigna, LF; Alessandra Rotondo, 2B; Amanda Fama, SS; Giulia Longhi, 3B; Elisa Cecchetti, DP; Sarah Edwards, 1B; Elisa Princic, C; Giulia Koutsoyanopulos, CF; Fabrizia Marrone, RF; and Alexia Lacatena, P.
Mexico tried to manufacture a run in the top of the first inning but failed. After a single by leadoff hitter Savanna Wysocki, Team Italy first baseman Sarah Edwards fielded a bunt from Marlene Espinoza and got the force out at second base. Then Kiana Estrada put down a sacrifice bunt to advance the runner to second base. Speedy Marlene Espinoza tested the arm of catcher Elisa Princic and got thrown out on a stolen base attempt when third baseman Giulia Longhi applied the tag for the third out.
The Team Italy offense went to work against Mexico starter Hyland Sierra in the bottom of the first inning and registered one run. Laura Vigna walked and advanced to second base on the sacrifice bunt by Alessandra Rotondo. Amanda Fama followed with an RBI triple.
Mexico threated in the top of the second inning with back-to-back singles from Saleen Donohoe and Diana Arcega, but an Alexia Lacatena strikeout of Yanina Trevino ended the half inning.
The Mexico offense once again gave Team Italy worries in the top of the fourth inning but were unable to cash in. Maddelyn Ruffin led off with a single, and Saleen Donohoe reached first on an error by second baseman Alessandra Rotondo. However, both runners were stranded on base without scoring.
In the top of the fifth inning, Mexico tied the game up with an RBI double by Kiana Estrada. Pinch-hitter Ximena Piri led off with a walk. She was replaced on the bases by Alejandra Casas, who advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt by Savanna Wysocki. Second baseman Alessandra Rotondo cleanly fielded a groundout by Marlene Espinoza for the second out. Then Kiana Estra hit an RBI double down the first base line but was caught trying to reach third base for the third out.
Team Italy attempted to score in the bottom of the fifth inning but came up empty. Elisa Princic hit a bunt single but was thrown out at second base on a fielder's choice by Giulia Koutsoyanopulos, who was left stranded on first base at the end of the inning.
The Italians got busy in the bottom of the sixth inning with a three-run offensive frenzy. Laura Vigna led off with a walk, and Alessandra Rotondo was hit by a pitch. Then Amanda Fama came through in the clutch with an RBI double. Giulia Longhi hit a squeeze bunt, but Alessandra Rotondo was called out at home. Elisa Cecchetti connected with an RBI double to give Team Italy a 3-1 advantage. Giulia Longhi later tagged up from third to score on a flyout by Sarah Edwards to make it a 4-1 game.
Team Italy held Mexico scoreless in the top of the seventh inning to secure the victory. With the 4-1 win, the Italians place 7th in the World Games softball competition. Forza #Italia!
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by Roberto Angotti
(Photo of Team Italy third baseman Giulia Longhi against Mexico in the World Games 2022 by Simone Amaduzzi)
