Great Britain, Russia prevail in B-Level European Championships

01/08/2013

Tournaments in Vienna and Zurich a big success

Great Britain and Russia have won the B-Level European Championships, which were held in Vienna (Austria) and Zurich (Switzerland) from July 22 to 27. They are now qualified for the 2014 European Championship, played in the Czech Republic and Germany in September of next year. Both tournaments saw sell-out crowds and extensive coverage in local media, showing the growing interest in European Baseball.

Great Britain prevailed in Zurich, going undefeated through first-round play and in the finals against the Ukraine. A complete game five-hit shutout of tournament MVP Greg Hendrix led them in the championship game to a 2-0 victory. Ian Young (GBR) was named best batter, while Daniel Levine (SUI) received best pitcher honors. Switzerland, Poland, Slovenia and Bulgaria also participated.

In Vienna Russia defeated Austria in a dramatic final to claim first place. Two runs in the top of the ninth turned a 1-2 deficit into a 3-2 win. Maxim Ayzatulin, who went 4-for-5 in the championship game, drove in the winning run with a single. Peter Ferak (AUT) captured the MVP award. Victor Samchuk (RUS) was named best batter, Nikita Lobanov (RUS) best pitcher. Austria and Russia had reached the final with 4-1 records. Belarus, Lithuania, Slovakia and Ireland also participated.

Final Standings Vienna:
1) Russia
2) Austria
3) Belarus
4) Slovakia
5) Lithuania
6) Ireland

Complete results, stats and box scores

Final Standings Zurich:
1) Great Britain
2) Ukraine
3) Bulgaria
4) Poland
5) Switzerland
6) Slovenia

Complete results, stats and box scores