Team Italy won its fifth consecutive U22 Women’s European Softball Championship game with a slim 2-1 late night victory over the Czech Republic on Thursday, August 8, 2024. The Azzurre squad will need to rest for two Super Round contests on Friday, August 9th. The early morning 11;15 am game against the Netherlands will be followed by a 6 pm nightcap against Israel.
Team Italy manager Federico Pizzolini penned the following lineup in the U22 Women’s European Softball Championship Super Round game against the Czech Republic: Felicia Di Pancrazio, RF; Giluia Koutsoyanopulos, CF; Virginia Mambelli, DP; Silvia Torre, 1B; Alexia Lacatena, P; Lucia Polini, C; Delia Manera, 2B; Anita Bartoli, SS; Alice Spiotta, 3B; and Ilaria Colepio, LF.
The Azzurre scored one run in the top of the first inning. Leadoff hitter Felicia Di Pancrazio doubled off Czech starter Amalie Chaloupkova, advanced to third base on a wild pitch and crossed the plate on a sacrifice fly by Virginia Mambelli.
The Italians added another run in the top of the second inning when control issues haunted the Czech starting pitcher. Walks to Lucia Polini, Anita Bartoli, and Alice Spiotta were followed by an RBI single from Felicia Di Pancrazio to give Team Italy a 2-0 lead.
The Czechs answered with a run in the bottom of the second inning, but pitcher Alexia Lacatena kept them off the board for the remainder of the game to earn the 2-1 win.
ITALY-CZECH REPUBLIC BOX SCORE
In the other Super Round games, France defeated Israel 9-3 (6 innings) and the Netherlands beat Great Britain 8-1 (5 innings),
Team Italy returns for U22 Women’s European Softball Championship Super Round games on August 9th against the Netherlands at 11:15 am and Israel at 6 pm (local time).
SCHEDULE, RESULTS AND PLAY BY PLAY
STANDINGS
Forza #Italia!
by Roberto Angotti
(Photo of the Team Italy dugout against the Czech Republic on August 8, 2024 by Piotr Novak)
