Best European Teams to participate in 18U Baseball World Cup

02/08/2013

Italy defeated Czech Republic in final of European 18U Championship in Prague

The two top European teams will participate in the XXVI 18U Baseball World Cup in Taichung next month. Italy and the Czech Republic met in the finals of the recent European 18U Championship in Prague, Czech Republic with the Squadra Azzurri capturing the European title with a 9-3 win in the finals.

Led by pitcher Samuel Silvestri Italy quickly took control of the game and didn’t allow any runs except for a rocky first inning. During the preliminary phase the Czech team had handed Italy its lone loss of the tournament. Otherwise both teams cruised through the event, defeating the Netherlands and Spain during the semi-finals.

Giovanni Garbella (ITA) was named MVP during the closing ceremonies. Shane Boeree (NED) took best batter, Tomas Ondra (CZE) best pitcher honors.

The European 18U Championship received massive attention in local and European media with TV coverage for all the Czech teams. Czech TV also produced a highlight reel after the tournament, which can be found online as video on demand.

Overall ten teams participated in the European 18U Championship, which was held at the facilities of the Eagles Prague and the Tempo Titans Prague. The latter ballpark received a complete overhaul of its playing surface, making it suitable for top European baseball prospects.

Italy and the Czech Republic now will travel to Taichung at the end of the month for the 18U Baseball World Cup from August 30 to September 8. Czech Republic faces Canada, Chinese Taipei, Japan, Venezuela and Mexico in Pool A during first-round play. Italy takes on defending champion USA, Colombia, Korea, Australia and Cuba in Pool B.

Final Standings:
1) Italy
2) Czech Republic
3) Netherlands
4) Spain
5) Germany
6) Sweden
7) Russia
8) France
9) Belgium
10) Ukraine

Complete Results, Box scores and Stats