One-hitter by Greta Cecchetti grants Team Italy passage to Euro Women’s Softball Championship final against the Netherlands

After defeating Czech Republic 10-0 and Spain 5-1 on July 4, 2019, the Team Italy women’s softball team had to beat Great Britain on July 5 in order to advance to the European Women’s Softball Championship final on July 6 at Arrows Park in Ostrava, Czech Republic. Team Italy manager Enrico Obletter sent out his pitching ace Greta Cecchetti to get the job done. She exceeded expectations by throwing a one-hitter against the British with six strikeouts and two walks to earn the victory in the five-inning mercy-rule 7-0 shutout.

The Azzurre squad scored early with lead-off solo home runs from Amanda Fama in the first inning and Andrea Howard in the second inning to give Team Italy a 2-0 advantage. In the top of the third inning, slugger Erika Piancastelli walked and later scored on an RBI sacrifice fly from Lisa Birocci. Then Andrea Howard hit her second home run of the contest to make it a 4-0 game. Team Italy came back for more in the top of the fourth inning. Alessandra Rotondo led off with a walk and scored on an RBI double by Laura Vigna. Erika Piancastelli followed with an RBI single to give the Italians a commanding 6-0 lead. In the top of the fifth inning, Andrea Howard walked and got into scoring position on a sacrifice by Beatrice Ricchi. An RBI single from Alessandra Rotondo put Team Italy on top 7-0.

With the shutout over Great Britain, Team Italy now has the opportunity to make amends for the loss to undefeated Netherlands earlier in the international competition. The European Women’s Softball Championship final between Team Italy and the Netherlands takes place on July 6 at 6 pm (local time).  Watch the live video stream by clicking . Forza #Italia! #LetsMakeItHappen

by Roberto Angotti