Baseball Europe/Africa Qualifier: Israel beats Italy, solid on top after Day 3
This is a full recap about the three games scheduled on the third day of competition and the completion of the game between Italy and South Africa that was suspended on Wednesday. Links will take you to full reports, boxscores, stats and pictures
This is a full recap of the games played during Day 3 of the WBSC Baseball Europe/Africa Qualifying Event for the Games of the XXXII Olympiad Tokyo 2020. Links will lead you to full reports, boxscores, stats and a selection of HD pictures.
Day 3 began with the completion of the game between South Africa and Italy that was suspended Wednesday, 18 September.
Italy scored six runs in the top of the tenth off reliever Bradley Erasmus and went on to beat South Africa, 10-4. Hometown boy, and Chicago Cubs Minor Leaguer, Matteo Bocchi earned the win pitching a perfect ninth inning.
Israel defeated Italy, 8-2, in the key game of the tournament. With the score tied at two, Italy’s defence melted in the top of the eighth and Israel broke the score open with six runs.
Israel is the only undefeated National Team and has now made a huge step towards the Games of Tokyo 2020.
The Netherlands relied on veteran starter Rob Cordemans to beat Spain, 6-2. Yurendell Decaster led the offence with 2 hits, including a double, and 2 RBIs.
The Czech Republic outscored South Africa, 11-1 in eight innings, in the afternoon game played in Parma and earned the first win in the tournament. Starter Boris Bokaj pitched seven solid innings, first baseman Daniel Vavrusa hit the go-ahead double in the fourth and left fielder Martin Muzik hit a walk-off grand slam.
