GB U15s come out strong to build dominating lead and hold on to beat Poland 18-9 in second Euros game
Determined to prevent a repeat of the previous game’s 1st inning where they couldn’t recover from an early deficit, GB started out strongly this afternoon in the second game of its Euros campaign in Kaunas, Lithuania.
GB put together a strong four-run first inning, followed by an 11-run second inning to build a 15-0 lead after two innings, before easing into an 18-9 victory over Poland.
After falling into a 6-0 hole in yesterday’s loss to Ukraine, GB crafted a few runs together with some aggressive base running and key hits in the top of the first inning.
Catcher Euan Gulliver led off with a walk and promptly stole second base. Ollie Galvin kept his hot bat going from yesterday and delivered a single to right field to get GB on the scoreboard right away.
Charlie Battista then singled to left and then stole second base to put two runners into scoring position as Evan Ust came to the plate.
Evan delivered a two-run triple to center field to make it 3-0 and then two batters later he scored with Kyle Griebenow’s sacrifice fly to right. GB were up 4-0 after Ollie Watkin’s scoreless inning on the mound in the bottom of the first.
GB opened the floodgates in the second inning as 15 batters came to the plate to contribute to an 11-run inning.
Kyle Griebenow again delivered, this time with a 2-run single, but the inning was highlighted by more aggressive base running by the squad - guided by Manager and third-base coach Ian Griebenow - as six runs scored from third base on passed balls, wild pitches, and double steals.
GB extended its lead to 16-0 after the top of the third inning, and this early lead enabled GB to spread out pitch counts to keep arms rested for the remainder of the week, as six pitchers combined to get GB through the 7 innings.
After Ollie Galvin’s’ scoreless opening inning, Jacob Henry, Zebb Marshall, Ben Peters, Payton Profit, and Harry Craig all contributed time on the mound.
Harry Craig gets got the win with a three inning/one run stint to close out the game.
Key contributions were made by all as the full roster saw action across today’s game.
Multi-hit games were had by Charlie Battista (3-for-6) and Kyle Griebenow (2-for-4. three RBI), while Euan Gulliver got on base 6 times today with 1 hit, 3 walks, twice being hit by pitch, and also scoring 3 runs from the leadoff spot.
Today’s defensive gems included two great plays by Charlie Battista at short stop, one of which was a running over-the-shoulder field and throw which almost robbed a Poland hitter of a single.
The win evened GB’s record up at 1-1 as they next play an 0-2 Finland team on Wednesday. First pitch is at 8.00am BST.
A big clash then looms on Thursday against Israel which could determine which teams are in the pole position to make the two-team championship final.
You can follow tomorrow’s games here and stream it on baseballeurope.tv
All pictures courtesy of WBSC Europe
