Azzurre manager Federico Pizzolini penned the following lineup in the U22 Women’s European Softball Championship Opening Round game against Great Britain: Felicia Di Pancrazio, LF; Alice Spiotta, 2B; Virginia Mambelli, RF; Silvia Torre, 1B; Giluia Koutsoyanopulos, CF; Sara De Luca, 3B; Lucia Polini, C; Delia Manera, DP; Anita Bartoli, SS; and Alexia Lacatena, P.
Starter Alexia Lacatena (4 IP, 7 H, 4 R, 2 BB, 3 K) was relieved by winning pitcher Sara Desii (3 IP, 3H, 2 R, 4 BB, K). Team Italy scored three runs in the bottom of the second inning. Spark plug Giulia Koutsoyanopulos (1-for-1, R, 2 BB) singled and crossed the plate on an RBI double by Lucia Polini, who scored on an RBI single from Azzurre hero Delia Manera. She later scored on an ensuing outfield error to give the Italians a 3-0 lead.
Great Britain got on the board in the top of the third inning with one run. Team Italy answered with two runs in the bottom of the third inning after Virginia Mambelli walked and Silvia Torre blasted a two-run home run. The Brits answered with one run in the top of the fourth inning to make it a 5-2 game.
After Alexia Lacatena surrendered back-to-back singles in the top of the fifth inning, Italian skipper Federico Pizzolini summoned Sara Desii from the bullpen. Great Britain went on to score three runs to tie the contest. Team Italy regained a slim 6-5 lead in the bottom of the fifth inning. Silvia Torre walked and was replaced by pinch runner Ilaria Colepio, who later crossed the plate after an infield single from Lucia Polini and an ensuing throwing error by British shortstop Katie Burge.
Great Britain added one run to even the score again in the top of the sixth inning. Team Italy walked off to a 7-6 victory in the bottom of the seventh inning after slugger Silvia Torre (3-for-4, 2 R, 2 RBI) scored on an RBI single by Delia Manera (2-for-4, R, 2 RBI).
GREAT BRITAIN-ITALY BOX SCORE
Team Italy returns for a clash against undefeated France on August 6th at 3:45 pm (local time). The French defeated Germany 6-1 on opening day.
U22 WOMEN’S EUROPEAN SOFTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP SCHEDULE. RESULTS AND PLAY-BY-PLAY
U22 WOMEN’S EUROPEAN SOFTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS
Forza #Italia!
by Roberto Angotti
(Photo of Team Italy in action against Great Britain in the U22 Women's European Softball Championship on August 5, 2024 courtesy of WBSC Europe Softball)
