Peckova leads Czech Republic to first win in Utrecht

Czech Republic opened today the WBSC Softball Europe/Africa Qualifier with a 6-1 victory over France, in the third game of the day at Sportpark Paperclip, in Utrecht. Starter Veronika Peckova was brilliant from the circle, allowing only 1 hit.

Czech Republic scored the first run of the game in the bottom of the third inning. An RBI single by Eva Rendlova to right field plated Adela Weissova from third base, to make it 1-0. Then the Czech team loaded the bases with one out, on back to back singles by Tereza Jakesova and Veronika Klimpova, but France could avoid more damage with a double play. Tereza Kubicova hit a short fly ball to right field, and Rendlova was fired out at home plate with a perfect assistance by Nathalie Glover.

One inning later Czech Republic exploded with five runs, including a 2-RBI double off the bat of Lucie Petraskova, a 2-RBI triple by Veronika Klimpova and an RBI single by Wiessova.

In the bottom of the sixth, France scored their only run of the game. With the bases loaded and two outs, Eloise Tribolet hit a soft grounder to shortstop Ludmila Kucerkova, who couldn’t handle the ball, allowing Pauline Prade scoring from third.

Veronika Peckova collected the first win of the tournament, with a 1-hit, 9-strikeout, 5 innings performance for Czech Republic. The lost was charged to Charline Gartner, who surrendered 5 hits and 4 runs in 3 innings.

After the first day of play, Italy and Czech Republic lead the Group B with a 1-0 record. Tomorrow both teams will play at 4 p.m. local time. France will take on Botswana at 10 a.m.