Team Italy suffers second loss to 3n2 International Stars during Prague Baseball Week

Despite being shutout 7-0 by the 3n2 International Stars in day four of the five-day Prague Baseball Week tourney on June 29, 2018, Team Italy U18 Juniors manager John Cortese had to be pleased with the way reliever Samuel Aldegheri held the opponent scoreless late in the game. Summoned from the bullpen in the top of the seventh inning with two out to get fellow Azzurri relief pitcher Marco Pizzolini out of a jam, Team Italy stopper Samuel Aldegheri quickly got the next batter to ground out to end the scoring threat on base. He returned to pitch the final two innings of the game and looked impressive striking out three hitters. The opposition never figured out the young Italian hurler during Prague Baseball Week. Just three days earlier when Team Italy was down 3-0 against undefeated Czech Republic on June 26, reliever Samuel Aldegheri entered the game in the fifth inning and struck out two of the three batters he faced. Although he gave up one run to the strong Czechs when he came back to pitch the sixth inning, Team Italy’s Samuel Aldegheri regained his composure by registering two strikeouts to end the inning and keep the game within reach. He did exactly what was asked of him in both contests.

Team Italy starter Oscar Tucci pitched four complete innings against the 3n2 International Stars, but the Azzurri offense could not help his cause. With the exception of two singles from shortstop Tommaso Giarola and a base hit from designated hitter Alex Serdà, Team Italy’s bats were silent. The 7-0 loss drops the Italians to 1-3 in the Prague Baseball Week standings. Team Italy plays manager Andrea D’Auria’s International Future Stars for third place honors on June 30 at 8 am (EDT). Host Czech Republic and the 3n2 International Stars battle in the Prague Baseball Week final at 12 noon (EDT). Forza #Italia! #LetsMakeItHappen

by Roberto Angotti