Italy continues unabated at the Under-22 Softball European Championships. The Italian national team, in fact, not only finished the second stage without ever losing, but also remained unbeaten in the third. From Ireland to Holland it changes a little: it is always blue flying high.

With the Irish winning, the opening innings started with a safe start, starting with Koutsoyannopoulos’ home run to lead the Azzurri to safety in the second period with four points. Melasi and above all Mambelli are great characters; A double, single, base on ball for later points. It closes at 10-0 with a fourth-round performance.

Softball, European U22: Unstoppable Blue! and Czech Republic, Germany K.O

On the other hand, all seven innings were played with the Dutch, but it was an undeniable Italian victory: 4-0. McKenzie Barbara’s single in the opening inning and Mambelli’s single in the third to make the difference, but most of all the 2 RBI home runs in the fifth that definitely put the showdown on the ice.

Italy now have two third-leg matches to play, along with France and Spain, which will determine whether the Italians can make the final on Saturday. This means that the title won in 2018 will be defended for the first time in 10 years.

Photo: FIBS / MG/Oldman