Italy outscored, 11-0, Czech Republic in the final to claim for the second time in a row the title of U-12 European Champion. Both Nations qualify for the WBSC U-12 Baseball World Cup 2019.
The Italian U-12 Baseball National Team after the awarding ceremony (FIBS)
Italy dominated the tournament, allowing only 3 earned runs over 7 games.
The azzurrini had only one close game to go through: the semifinal against Russia, the only team that was capable to limit their offense. Italy trailed 4-2 entering the bottom of the fifth and scored 2 on base hits by second baseman Barbona and third baseman Casadio to take the lead. They never looked back.
Russia finished third as they defeated, 10-3, The Netherlands in the bronze medal game.
Matteo Casadio of Italy slides into third during the final against Czech Republic (courtesy of FIBS)
The U-12 Baseball European Championship is organized every year by the Confederation of European Baseball (CEB). The 2018 edition was a 14 team tournament and was played in Budapest, Hungary.
RESULTS, STANDINGS, STATS