Against Ukraine in the Women’s European Softball Championship on Tuesday, September 3, 2024, Team Italy manager Federico Pizzolini assembled his lineup as follows: Isabella Dayton (LF), Erika Piancastelli (RF), Marta Gasparotto (C), Andrea Filler (1B), Mc Kenzie Barbara (DP), Giulia Longhi (3B), Melany Sheldon (SS), Giulia Koutsoyanopulos (CF) and Alessandra Rotondo (2B).
Starting pitcher Ilaria Cacciamani, who picked up the save two days prior against Great Britain after tossing 1.2 scoreless innings, allowed just one hit with nine strikeouts in four innings of work to earn the win. Reliever Alexia Lacatena threw two hitless innings with four strikeouts for the save.
Team Italy scored twice in the bottom of the first inning to take an early 2-0 lead. Isabella Dayton walked, stole second base and eventually crossed the plate on a fielder’s choice. Andrea Filler crushed a solo home run over the left field fence for the second run.
The Azzurre softball squad added three more runs in the bottom of the third inning for a commanding 5-0 advantage. Marta Gasparotto doubled down the left field line, advanced to third on an infield error and scored on a wild pitch. Then Andrea Filler walked and McKenzie Barbara followed with a two-run blast over the center field fence.
The Italians put up another run in the bottom of the fifth inning after walks to Alessandra Rotondo and Felicia Di Pancrazio and an RBI single by Erika Piancastelli. Team Italy nailed the coffin shut via mercy rule in the bottom of the sixth inning when Andrea Filler hit a walk-off home run to secure the 7-0 shutout over Ukraine.
UKRAINE-ITALY BOX SCORE
Team Italy slugger Andrea Filler said, "The goal is to improve day-by-day. Against any opponent we face, we try to stay focused on what makes us great and to continue to improve. I try to adapt to every pitcher we face. Every pitcher has something that makes them a little different, so I continue to build momentum when I'm at the plate, adapting to each pitcher and focusing on my process.”
Competing in her second Women’s European Softball Championship after winning the gold with Team Italy in the 2021 edition, Andrea Filler brings a veteran presence to the Azzurre squad. She continued, “This year I'm trying to be a little more of a leader. I've been on the team for four years and I see younger players coming. I try to help by trying to be more of a leader, someone who can bring momentum to the team through the way I approach the game and honor the Italian jersey.”
The Italians return for a Women’s European Softball Championship Group Y game against Belgium on Wednesday, September 4th at 8 pm (local time).
SCHEDULE, RESULTS AND PLAY-BY-PLAY LINK
STANDINGS
STATS
SOFTBALLEUROPE.TV
Forza #Italia!
by Luca Giangrande and Roberto Angotti
(Photo of Andrea Filler rounding the bases after hitting a home run in the bottom of the first inning against Ukraine on Tuesday, September 3, 2024 by RL-Mate)
