After two heart-wrenching losses in marathon games, GB’s U18s fell disappointingly in the first ranking game of the European Championships in Trieste, losing 13-1 to Czechia.
Over the course of four and a half innings, they managed one run on five hits with four errors.
The story was set by the Czechia team taking a 7-0 lead in the bottom of the first on five singles with two walks. Ollie Galvin gave up well-hit small balls that found gaps and kept the bases moving throughout.
In the second, the GB pitcher was lifted for Dylan Nelson after a triple and home run padded the Czechia lead to ten. Nelson would complete the shortened game on the mound, giving up three further runs, two earned, with one strike out.
The only offense for GB came in the top of the fourth when Luke Donaldson scored on a single, stolen base and wild pitch before being knocked in by Ben White.
For the Czechs, Daniel Sobotka pitched the whole game recording six strike outs and not allowing a walk.
GB Head Coach Matt Moran said:
“Unfortunately it wasn’t to be today, it’s been a long tournament with some things not going the way we’d have liked them to. But this group of players have shown real grit & determination throughout. They have made their families, coaches and have been a pleasure to work with over the tournament.
We are working to create a lasting legacy for GB Baseball within the U18 category that will last far beyond this generation of players & coaching staff. This group has set a baseline for the next European Championships in 2027.
Tomorrow we will look to finish on a high before we return home preparing for the next 2 year cycle.”
The final game for GB is the placing game for 7th and 8th against the Austrians in Ronchi. The Brits will be playing for pride and hoping to avenge the defeat they suffered at the hands of the Austrians on the first day.
Photo courtesy of WBSC