14/07/2018 1 Minute Read

Unlucky Team Italy suffers 7-0 shutout to the Netherlands in Haarlem Baseball Week

Having lost an extra-inning heartbreaker at the hands of world-class pitching from powerhouse Japan in the Haarlem Baseball Week opener just 24 hours earlier, Team Italy manager Gilberto "Gibo" Gerali and his Azzurri squad once again faced more dominant pitching from host the Netherlands at Pim Mulier Stadium on July 14, 2018

Having lost an extra-inning heartbreaker at the hands of world-class pitching from powerhouse Japan in the Haarlem Baseball Week opener just 24 hours earlier, Team Italy manager Gilberto "Gibo" Gerali and his Azzurri squad once again faced more dominant pitching from host the Netherlands at Pim Mulier Stadium on July 14, 2018. Mattia Mercuri, fra i migliori degli azzurri in campo contro l'Olanda (ML Oldmanagency)Rob Cordemans, a 43-year-old right-handed pitcher who has represented the Dutch in the Olympics and the World Baseball Classic, allowed two hits and two walks while striking out nine during his six inning start. Team Italy threatened to score in the bottom of the fifth inning when Nico Garbella singled and Mattia Mercuri doubled; however. both were stranded on base when Rob Cordemans ended the inning with a strikeout of Stefano Desimoni. The Netherlands bullpen was relentless as the pair of crafty relievers used for the final three innings notched another four strikeouts to preserve the shutout.

Team Italy starter Andrea Pizziconi pitched four complete innings and limited the Dutch to one earned run. Then Italian skipper Gibo Gerali called on Gianfranco Rizzo, who also held the Netherlands to just one earned run during his two innings of relief. Nicolo Clemente entered the game in the bottom of the seventh inning and pitched two scoreless innings. The 20-year-old former Boston Red Sox pitching prospect ran into trouble in the top of the ninth inning when two runs scored. Mattia Aldegheri was summoned from the bullpen with a baserunner on first with one out. He gave up an RBI double before ending the Dutch three-run rally.

With the 7-0 loss to the Netherlands, Team Italy drops to 0-2 in the Haarlem Baseball Week Standing. The Azzurri return on July 16 at 8 am (EDT) to battle Cuba before concluding single round-robin play with a game against Chinese Taipei on July 17 at 8 am (EDT). Haarlem Baseball Week playoffs begin on July 20 and continue through July 22. Forza #Italia! #LetsMakeItHappen

by Roberto Angotti