GB spirit shines through in extras loss to Italy
The GB U18 fightback fell just short against a strong Italian team in the semi final of the WBSC European Championship.
The 6-5 loss highlighted the spirit within the team as they drew level in the top of the seventh and went one run ahead in the top of the eighth through a sacrifice fly by Aaron Caughlin which scored Jack Warrington.
With two runners on base, the Italians doubled through the right side to score the two runs required and move into the final to face Germany.
GB got off to a great start with three runs in the first.
A single by Cayden Allen scored William Kraemer and Colin Lebel before a single by Jack Warrington scored Allen.
Italy hit back immediately with two runs and the game moved into a pitchers duel before the Italians scored two in the bottom of the fifth.
The drama began in the top of the seventh with a double by shortstop Kraemer. A sacrifice fly by Warrington tied the game at 4-4 and a quick inning by pitcher Owen Bourgeois sent the game into extras.
Caughlin put GB ahead with the sacrifice fly to centre field which scored Warrington. A valiant attempt to steal home meant that Italy needed two runs to win.
With extra runners on base, they bunted before the game winning hit.
GB will face The Netherlands at 1.00pm tomorrow in a game to decide the bronze medal.
All photos courtesy of WBSC Europe
