Team Italy enters WBSC U12 Baseball World Cup Consolation Round

After suffering back-to-back defeats to USA and Korea, Team Italy begins the WBSC U12 Baseball World Cup Consolation Round in Tainan, Taiwan with a game against Czech Republic on August 1, 2019 at 2 pm (local time). The Team Italy offense was limited battling both baseball powerhouses. A bunt single in the top of the first inning by catcher Filippo Sabatini was the only hit for the Italians in the 28-1 loss to USA on July 29. Filippo Sabatini recorded another bunt single in the 11-0 shutout to Korea on July 30. The Azzurrini managed to collect three other hits in the contest against the Koreans. Aldo Pavarani doubled while Lucciano Munoz Liengo and Daniele Di Persia singled.  

Despite being overmatched by USA and Korea, Team Italy has shown resilience and the ability to compete against the world’s finest. The young and talented Azzurrini squad defeated Australia 6-4 on July 28 and lost a 1-0 heartbreaker to Mexico on July 27. The Mexicans went on to upset USA 2-1 on July 30 to advance to the Super Round. The Americans, on the other hand, were relegated to the Consolation Round after having lost 7-6 to Venezuela earlier in the 12-country tournament.

Nothing would make three-time U12 European champion Team Italy manager Stefano Burato happier than beating Czech Republic on August 1 followed by a pair of victories over South Africa on August 2 at 10 am (local time) and Fiji on August 3 at 10 am (local time). The WBSC U12 Baseball World Cup Championship Final takes place on August 4 at 6:30 pm (local time). The battle for the bronze medal game will precede the final game at 2 pm (local time). Forza #Italia! #LetsMakeItHappen

by Roberto Angotti