Azzurrini face Venezuela, Mexico, Australia, USA, and Korea in U12 Baseball World Cup

Team Italy Juveniles U12 manager Stefano Burato has an uphill battle for his European Champion squad in the upcoming WBSC U12 Baseball World Cup from July 26-August 4, 2019 at Tainan Asia Pacific Stadium in Taiwan. Team Italy (ranked #16) will be put to the test immediately in Group B Opening Round action against South American champion, Venezuela (ranked #9), on Friday, July 26 at 10 am. The Azzurrini return for a weekend of 2 pm games starting with a clash with Mexico (ranked #6) on Saturday, July 27 followed by another afternoon contest against Australia (ranked #7) on Sunday, July 28.

There will be no relief in sight as the road gets even tougher for the Italians with games against USA (ranked #2) on Monday, July 29 at 2 pm and Korea (ranked #3) on Tuesday, July 30 at 10 am. The top three teams from Group A (which includes Chinese Taipei, Japan, Cuba, Czech Republic, South Africa, and Fiji) and Group B will advance to the Super Round from August 1-3, 2019, while the bottom two teams from Groups A and B will be placed in the Consolation Round.

Super Round teams will carry over their opening-round records against each other, with wins and/or losses against teams eliminated in the first round removed. The two top teams in the Super Round standings will compete in the WBSC U12 Baseball World Cup Championship on Sunday, August 4. In addition, the third and fourth-best Super Round teams will play for the bronze medal on the final day of the international competition. Forza #Italia! #U12WorldCup #LetsMakeItHappen

by Roberto Angotti