Team Italy U18 softball manager Andrea Longagnani called on starting pitcher Livia Bernardi, who settled down nicely after surrendering a solo home run to Israel slugger Julia Sherman in the top of the first inning and continued to pitch three scoreless innings with four strikeouts and one walk to earn the win. Reliable closer Chiara Di Lauro struck out the side in the top of the fifth inning to secure the 8-1 mercy-rule victory over Israel.
Felicia Di Pancrazio went 2-for-3 with a triple and two runs scored to lead the Team Italy offense. Catcher Chiara Albertin also collected two hits and crossed the plate once. Other offensive highlights included an RBI triple by Caterina Binetti and doubles from Lucrezia Moretti and Chiara Di Lauro.
ITALY-ISRAEL BOX SCORE
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The pitching trio of starter Silvia Aroldi (3.1 IP, 6 H, 1 R, 2 K, 1 BB), reliever Delia Manera (3.1 IP, 3 H) and closer Sara Desii (.1 IP, 1 K) got the job done in the 2-1 victory over defending Euro champion Czech Republic.
After the Czechs took a slim 1-0 advantage in the top of the second inning, Team Italy answered with two runs in the bottom of the second inning. Noemi Cortesi singled, then Felicia Di Pancrazio connected with an RBI triple and later scored on a wild pitch to make it a 2-1 game. Catcher Luca Polini also provided offensive spark with a two-hit performance against Czech Republic.
ITALY-CZECH REPUBLIC BOX SCORE
VIDEO REPLAY
The young and talented Italians return for two Super Round games tomorrow beginning with an 11:45 am (local time) battle against Ukraine followed by an evening clash with Great Britain at 7 pm (local time) to ensure their ticket to the U18 European Softball Championship Final on Saturday, August 5, 2023 at 6 pm (local time).
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Team Italy manager Andrea Longagnani said, “This team has shown heart and passion. They are always playing great. There is a great future here. I am really very happy because Italy has a good future with these girls. I have 16 starters, all those who take the field always give their best and this gives us more peace of mind. They will not give up and will continue to make a clear path. Since we started, we have always aimed to reach the final. And as I always say: finals are not played…they are won."
Forza #Italia!
by Roberto Angotti
(Photo of the Team Italy softball squad after defeating Czech Republic in the U18 European Softball Championship Super Round on August 3, 2023 by Grega Valancic/WBSC Europe)
