In a back and forth game at Nafaldo Cargnel Stadium in Parana, Patronato claimed the Argentina Men's Softball National Championship with a thrilling 10-7 win over CEF, the three-time defending champions. A grand slam from 2019 World Champion Bruno Motroni in the top of the eighth inning gave the red and black squad their seventh national title.
The tournament was played from 9 to 13 February in Parana, Argentina, a city that has twice hosted a Men's Softball World Cup (the Junior World Championship in 2012 and the inaugural U-23 World Cup last year).
The game, with many WBSC Men's Softball World Champions involved, was a roller-coaster with both teams having the lead during the game. However, the score was tied in the end of the seventh inning, sending the final to extras. Patronato scored the tie-breaking runner and loaded the bases for Motroni, who smashed a drop ball well over the centre field fence to give his team a comfortable lead.
This is Patronato's seventh title in the history of the tournament and breaks a streak of three consecutive titles by CEF.
More than 30 teams from all over Argentina participated in the South American country's biggest men's softball tournament split into four categories with promotion and relegation.
Argentina is currently No. 4 in the WBSC/KONAMI Men's Softball World Ranking.
Photo: Fabian Eder
