22/09/2019 1 Minute Read

Czech Republic comes from behinds, beats Spain, finishes third

The Czechs won the last two games against Israel and Spain and finished third in the Baseball Europe/Africa Qualifier. A three-RBI double by Martin Schneider opened the score in the last game of the tournament

The Czech Republic used a five-run eighth at-bat to reverse Spain’s lead and win, 7-3, the last game of the Baseball Europe Africa Qualifier under a light rain in Parma. Thanks to an impressive finish of the tournament, the Czech Republic placed third.

The Czechs got to reliever Jorge Balboa, the third pitcher that Spain sent to the mound, in the bottom of the eighth while trailing 3-2. Jakub Vojak reached on a one-out single and left foe pinch-runner Dubovy. Balboa retired Martin Muzik for the second out, then allowed three consecutive walks that tied the game. The fourth consecutive walk put the Czech Republic ahead and sent Balboa to the showers.

Spain called Leslie Nacar from the bullpen. The reliever got started with two strikes, but on the third offering, Martin Schneider lined a double into left field to empty the bases.

Jan Tomek took the mound in the top of the ninth and faced four batters, recording the save. Tomek was the fourth pitcher used by the Czech Republic. Starter Jan Novak went six innings. Veteran Petr Minarik pitched the seventh inning and Jin Vavrusa posted a perfect eighth and earned the win.