After defeating the Republic of South Africa 7-3 and losing to Chinese Taipei 3-0 on day four of the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) Junior Women’s World Championship (JWWC) in Clearwater, Florida, the Team Italy U19 Juniors staved off elimination by beating New Zealand 7-3 at the Eddie C. Moore Complex on July 28, 2017. Team Italy U19 manager Enrico Obletter prepared his players well for this international 26-country tournament, and it clearly showed as the Italians dominated New Zealand (ranked #5) from the moment the first pitch was thrown.
Team Italy was in full rally mode early in the game. In the top of the first inning, Laura Vigna and Susanna Soldi singled. An RBI ground rule double by Elisa Princic to deep left center field brought Laura Vigna home to score Italy’s first run. Giorgia Migliorini followed with a two-run double to deep center field. An infield single by Alessandra Rotondo advanced Giorgia Migliorini to third base. The Team Italy offense was relentless as an RBI single by Elisa de Trombetti made it a 4-0 game. Alessandra Rotondo later scored on a passed ball. An RBI single by Sofia Cecchin gave Team Italy a 6-0 advantage.
Starting pitcher Federica Tagliavini demonstrated strength against New Zealand’s hitters and great defense on the mound as she caught a line drive shot to end a scoring threat with a runner on third base in the bottom of the first inning. In the top of the second inning, Team Italy’s explosive offense came back for more when Giorgia Migliorini hit a ground rule double to right field. Then an RBI double down the left field line by Andrea Howard put Italy on top 7-0.
Team Italy starter Federica Tagliavini pitched a gem of a game by commanding the strike zone and keeping the New Zealanders off the board throughout her three innings of work. Team Italy U19 manager Enrico Obletter went to his bullpen for reliever Chiara Biasi in the bottom of the fourth inning. After surrendering three runs, Chiara Biasi was replaced by closer Sara Riboldi to stop New Zealand from causing any more damage.
In the top of the fifth inning, Team Italy’s Andrea Howard and Alessandra Rotondo singled to start a potential offensive onslaught. Elisa De Trombetti put down a sacrifice bunt to move both runners into scoring position. Despite Chiara Bassi being hit by a pitch to load the bases, the Italians were unable to score and nail the coffin shut on the New Zealanders by way of the mercy rule. In the top of the seventh inning, Team Italy needed an insurance run. It looked like the squad would easily get it after Andrea Howard doubled to left center. Alessandra Rotondo followed with a sacrifice bunt to advance the runner to third base, and the table was set for another run; however, in the end Andrea Howard was left stranded without scoring. Regardless of the missed opportunities, resilient Team Italy managed to hold New Zealand scoreless late in the game to ensure a 7-3 victory.
With the win over New Zealand, Italy’s boosts its record to 4-3 in the weeklong tourney. Team Italy returns to play in a single elimination game against Brazil on July 29, 2017 to determine if the squad will continue in the 9th to 16th place bracket of WBSC Junior Women’s World Championship. Forza Italia!
by Roberto Angotti
