Team Italy closes out Arizona Spring Training with a 3-1 victory over Oakland A's prospects

Azzurri manager Gilberto "Gibo" Gerali could not be happier for Team Italy after two weeks of Spring Training in Mesa, Arizona. His promising baseball squad finished strong with a 3-1 win over a group of Oakland Athletics minor leaguers on March 29, 2019. Originally scheduled to play a pair of games against Toros de Tijuana, Team Italy adjusted its schedule by challenging the A's one last time when the Mexicans cancelled at the last minute. Having tied one previous battle and lost two others against the Oakland Athletics during 2019 Spring Training, Team Italy played with a vengeance to leave the USA victorius before going home.

The last and final Azzurri lineup looked like this: Sebastiano Poma in left field, Alessandro Vaglio at shortstop, Leo Zileri in right field, Chris Colabello at first base, Alex Sambucci as designated hitter, Aldo Koutsoyanopulos at third base, Federico Celli in center field, Mario Trinci as catcher and Ricardo Paolini at second base. Italian skipper Gibo Gerali called on starting pitcher Angelo Palumbo, who threw three flawless innings with two strikeouts. Relievers Mattia Aldegheri, Alex Bassani and Murilo Gouvea preserved the win for Team Italy. Federico Celli was the offensive player of the game as he scored all three Azzuri runs.

Having defeated the Grand Canyon University Antelopes 7-2 on March 25 and the Paradise Valley Community College Pumas 5-2 on March 27, Team Italy went out with a bang during 2019 Arizona Spring Training by beating the Oakland A's 3-1 and winning three games in a row. Forza #Italia! #LetsMakeItHappen

by Roberto Angotti