The Italians played with a sense of purpose and came out firing in their first Euro game against Israel at Armin Wolf Baseball Arena in Regensburg, Germany on Monday, July 8, 2024. Team Italy got on the board in the top of the third inning after Edoardo Cornelli walked, stole second base and crossed the plate on an RBI single by Lorenzo Barbona. A failed pickoff attempt and throwing error to first base by Israel starting pitcher Aviv Bobrov allowed Lorenzo Barbona to advance to second base and score on an RBI double from Giacomo Taschin.
Team Italy added to the 2-0 lead in the top of the fifth when scoring four more runs. Azzurri spark plug Edoardo Cornelli singled, advanced to second on a wild pitch, moved to third on a bunt single by Lorenzo Barbona and scored on another wild pitch by starter Aviv Bobrov.
After a walk to Daniele Persia, Israel went to the bullpen and summoned Danel Spielman. The reliever gave up an RBI single to Mattia Bernardis and a two-run single to Federico DeCristan to give the Italians a commanding 6-0 advantage. Mattia Bernardis hit a solo home run in the top of the seventh inning to seal the 7-0 shutout.
BOX SCORE
Team Italy returns for a game against Austria on Tuesday, July 8th at 11:30 am (local time). The Austrians lost to Spain 12-3 in their Euro debut.
U18 EUROPEAN BASEBALL CHAMPIONSHIP SCHEDULE AND RESULTS
Forza #Italia!
by Roberto Angotti
(Photo of Team Italy pitcher Mattia Bernardis in pre-Euro tourney action by Photo Bass)
Read also: Team Italy makes U18 European Baseball Championship debut against Israel in Regensburg, Germany
