21/04/2023 1 Minute Read

Jakub Osicka’s one-hit shutout leads Czechia 2-0 win over Venezuela

The right-hander tallied 15 strikeouts and lowered his ERA to 1.84. Czechia are on top of the Placement Round standings with a 4-0 record, while Venezuela dropped to second with a 3-1 card.

WBSC U-18 Men’s Softball World Cup 2020 bronze medallist Jakub Osicka pitched an excellent game against Venezuela on Friday to lead Czechia’s to 2-0 victory in the WBSC U-23 Men's Softball World Cup Placement Round. The ringht-hander tallied 15 strikeouts and lowered his ERA to 1.84.

Czechia shortstop Jakub Hajny led off the second inning with a single and moved to third on a sacrifice bunt and a grounder to second base. Lukas Kubat drove him in with single up the middle, giving Czechia a 1-0 lead.

In the bottom of the fourth, Czechia added one more run. George Harris hit a triple down the right field line and then scored easily on a long sacrifice fly by Jakub Hajny in a nice defensive play by Venezuela’s left fielder Angel Adames.

Osicka pitche seven innings, allowing only one hit with no walks and 15 strikeouts. It was his first win in four appearances.

With this win, Czechia lead the Placement Round with a 4-0 record, while Venezuela now have 3-1 record. The European side will play Team WBSC, while the South American squad will close their stint in the World Cup against South Africa.