Team Italy U18 softball manager Andrea Longagnani made the right call starting pitcher Silvia Aroldi, who threw five scoreless innings and allowed four hits with seven strikeouts and one walk in the 7-0 shutout over Ireland.
The Italian offense was fueled by leadoff hitter Alice Spiotta, who went 3-for-3 with two triples and scored twice. Other highlights included doubles from Noemi Cortesi, Sveva Moggi and Felicia Di Pancrazio.
ITALY-IRELAND BOX SCORE
VIDEO REPLAY
Winning pitcher Delia Manera got the start against Kingdom of the Netherlands and did not disappoint as she allowed just one run on one hit with three strikeouts and one walk in four innings of work. Reliever Sara Desii was equally as impressive with two strikeouts and one walk in the fifth inning.
Noemi Cortesi was a home run shy of completing the cycle in her remarkable 3-for-4 performance (including three RBI and two runs scored). Alice Spiotta also collected two hits in the 8-1 victory over the Dutch.
ITALY-KINGDOM OF THE NETHERLANDS BOX SCORE
VIDEO REPLAY
Team Italy returns on Thursday, August 3, 2023 for a battle against Israel at 11:45 am (local time) before entering the Super Round and facing Czech Republic later at 5 pm (local time).
SCHEDULE/RESULTS AND PLAY-BY-PLAY
LIVESTREAM
Forza #Italia!
by Roberto Angotti
(Photo of Team Italy pitcher Silvia Aroldi in the U18 European Softball Championship game against Ireland by LG-FIBS)
