GB’s strength and character shine through storm to beat France
GB U18s overcame a persistent French team 11-5 (unofficial) and a heavy storm to move to 3-1 in the WBSC European Championship.
The U18s were on top from the start scoring four runs in the first inning through great plate discipline before first baseman Colin Lebel singles to score William Kraemer.
Cayden Allen’s sacrifice fly then scored Owen Bourgeois and Jack Warrington followed suit to drive in Travis Harfield
The first inning was rounded off by Lebel who scored from third on a wild pitch.
The French pulled a run back at the bottom of the first inning and neither team troubled the scorers in the second.
Pitcher Travis Harfield stepped up to hit a homer to left field and continue his fine form with the bat.
Travis Harfield’s early home run kept the scoreboard moving for GB
The French nibbled away at the GB lead to make it 5-4 heading into the top of the fifth inning.
Allen got the score moving with a single up the middle to drive in Harfield before Leo De Giorgi drove in Allen on another sacrifice fly to centre field.
Relief pitcher Henry Cheyne then kept the French off the scoreboard allowing the GB offense to make their final mark on the game.
A double by Kraemer got the ball rolling before Bourgeois singled allowing Kraemer to score on a throwing error.
Harfield continued his form with the bat to drive in Bourgeois before Lebel doubled to deep right field scoring Harfield.
Right fielder Cayden Allen had a good day at the plate driving in three runs
A single by Allen scored Lebel to end GB’s scoring before the heavens opened during the bottom of the sixth inning and the game was called by the officials.
