Italy beats France, ends undefeated the Opening Round

Italy got the third win of the WBSC Softball Europe Africa Qualifier against France, 5-1, and ended the Opening Round at the top of the Group B. Italy scored 4 times in the fourth and added one more point in the seventh. Ilaria Cacciamani took the win, Charline Gartner the loss.

At the beginning of the game, both team had the opportunity to score but they couldn’t. In the first, Italian shortstop Amanda Fama tripled. However, Laura Vigna and Emily Carosone grounded out, while Erika Piancastelli flied out. On the other side, in the bottom of the second, Eloise Tribolet singled, but she was caught stealing.

Italy took the lead in the top of the fourth. Vigna and Carosone singled and moved to scoring position on passed ball. Andrea Howard, then, walked. So, Giulia Longhi hit an RBI single off Sarah Benchali, French pitcher relief. During the play, Carosone was out at home thanks to a great throw by French left fielder Raina Hunter. Later, Alessandra Rotondo hit a 2 RBI single and scored later on wild pitch for the 4-0 lead.

Italy added one more point in the seventh. Vigna hit a sacrifice fly and plated Fabrizia Marrone from third.

France scored the lone point in the last attack of the game with an RBI single by Natalie Glover.

Thanks to this victory, Italy ends the Opening Round at the top of the Group B, with a 3-0 record, and will play tomorrow against Group A second seed. On the other hand, France has to wait the Botswana-Czech Republic result to know its future in the tournament.