Shing-Sheng/Taipei City. The Czech Republic has its first win at the II 12U Baseball World Cup. The European Champion defeated the Philippines 9-4 at Shing-Sheng Stadium on Sunday afternoon. Five runs in the first two innings and four more in the last three sealed the deal for the Czech. The Asian squad tried to rally in the sixth, but the deficit was too steep to overcome.
Shortstop Anezka Bartonova and catcher Ondrej Lochman combined for six hits, four runs and three RBI for the Czech Republic. Patrik Kadrnozka also scored twice. John Natanauan, Jose Alcaraz and Efrician Mercado had two hits apiece for the Philippines.
On the mound Marek Cifra picked up the win with three solid innings of relief. David Mares had issued eight hits, a run and a walk in 2 1/3 innings to start the game. Keano Reyes took the loss, allowing two hits, two runs and two base on balls in one-plus innings.
On Monday the Czech Republic will meet with Italy in an All-European matchup at Tien-Mou Stadium in the afternoon. The Philippines are going to the same venue, but in the morning trying to upset Mexico.
