Against Venezuela in the U15 Baseball World Cup on Saturday, August 24, 2024, Team Italy manager U15 Giuseppe Mazzanti put together the following lineup: Francesco Carlini (SS), Pablo Suarez (2B), Patrick Silva (3B), Alessio Casasanta (LF), Ivan Larice (1B), Michael Moronta (C), Mattia Angelucci (DH), Matteo Chinello (RF), Cristian Severino (CF) and Federico Magalotti (P).
The Azzurrini scored early in the top of the first inning after Pablo Suarez walked, advanced to second base on a bunt single by Alessio Casasanta and crossed the plate on an ensuing throwing error.
Starter Federico Magalotti (4 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 2 ER, BB) pitched a scoreless first inning but a throwing error and a fielding error by shortstop Francesco Carlini led to two runs for Venezuela in the bottom of the second inning.
Team Italy answered with two runs in the top of the third inning to take a slim 3-2 advantage. Pablo Suarez led off with his second walk, moved on to second base on an infield single by Patrick Silva and scored on a throwing error to first base by the catcher after an Ivan Larice strikeout. An RBI single from Michael Moronta produced the second run.
The relentless Italian offense added three more runs in the top of the fourth inning. After Francesco Carlini hit an infield single and Pablo Suarez reached first base on a fielder’s choice, Patrick Silva connected with an RBI single up the middle. Then Alessio Casasanta hit a two-run double to give Team Italy what appeared to be a commanding 6-2 lead.
Venezuela chalked up one run in the bottom of the fourth inning and evened the score in the bottom of the fifth inning when adding three runs off reliever Mattia Muscio (0.0 IP, H, 3 R, 2 BB). Losing pitcher Leonardo Prizzon (4.2 IP, 3 H, 4 R, ER, 3 BB) limited the damage and kept Venezuela off the board until extra innings.
The young and talented Italians tallied three runs in the top of the eighth inning. After runners were placed on first and second base, Pablo Suarez hit a bunt single to load the bases for Patrick SIlva. The dependable three-hole hitter once again came through in the clutch and delivered an RBI single to put Team Italy in front 7-6. Back-to-back walks to Michael Moronta and Federico Magalotti gave the Azzurrini the 9-6 lead.
Venezuela battled back with three runs in the bottom of the eighth inning to tie the game. Team Italy came up empty in the top of the ninth inning. The South Americans took advantage of a bases loaded walk issued by Leonardo Prizzon in the bottom of the ninth inning for the walk-off 10-9 win. As a result of the extra-innings victory over the Italians, Venezuela placed eighth in the U15 Baseball World Cup.
ITALY-VALENZUELA BOX SCORE
Because of the heartbreaking loss to Venezuela, Team Italy placed ninth in the U15 Baseball World Cup after finishing with a 4-6 record. The international competition continues through Sunday, August 25, 2024 when the gold and bronze medal games take place in Barranquilla, Colombia.
U15 BASEBALL WORLD CUP SCHEDULE AND RESULTS
FINAL STANDINGS
STATS
PHOTOS
Forza #Italia!
by Roberto Angotti
(Photo of Team Italy's Francesco Carlini scoring against the Kingdom of the Netherlands on August 22, 2024 courtesy of WBSC)
