Team Italy starting pitcher Kilian Taucer threw four perfect innings with five strikeouts to earn the win. Reliever Andrea Magnoli surrendered a triple to Boris Christensen in the top of the fifth inning but held Croatia scoreless with three consecutive strikeouts to end the 14-0 mercy-rule game.
The relentless Italian offense scored eight times in the top of the first inning. A three-run double from Daniele Di Persia, an RBI triple by Federico De Cristan, back-to-back RBI singles from Riccardo Mazzanti and Edoardo Cornelli followed by a two-run triple from Lorenzo Barbona gave the Azzurri an 8-0 lead.
Team Italy added two runs in the bottom of the second inning. After singles by Mattia Bernardis and Daniele Di Persia, a failed pickoff attempt at third base and throwing error by Croatia catcher Dorian Bartolcic allowed Mattia Bernardis to cross the plate. Daniele Di Persia advanced to third base on the error and scored on a sacrifice fly from Federico De Cristan.
The Italians plated four more runs in the bottom of the third inning after Luca Magnani hit a two-run single up the middle and Daniele Di Persia connected with a two-run double down the right field line.
BOX SCORE
Team Italy U18 manager Guglielmo Trinci said, "I'm happy because we played the game we had planned. We were Immediately strong in the first inning with eight runs so we saved two pitchers. I even had a position player pitch an inning so that we can count on him too I made everyone play and give them each at least two at bats."
Undefeated Team Italy plays Spain at Legionäre Field 1 in Regensburg on Thursday, July 11, 2024 at 7:30 pm (local time). A win will automatically qualify a semifinal berth for the Italians since Germany defeated Spain 7-1 on July 9th. Team Italy battles Germany on Friday, July 12, 2024 at 6 pm (local time).
U18 EUROPEAN BASEBALL CHAMPIONSHIP SCHEDULE AND RESULTS
Azzurri manager Guglielmo Trinci commented, "For Spain it is do-or-die, while we also have another opportunity to advance to the semifinals with a victory over Germany on Friday. We have prepared ourselves after Germany's victory on Tuesday to give everything. The Spaniards are guys who never give up. It will be a good game but decisive only for them."
Forza #Italia!
by Roberto Angotti
(Photo of Team Italy pitcher Kilian Taucer against Croatia on July 10, 2024 courtesy of Legionaire)
