WBC Qualifier 2: Czechs just fall short in extras
Both the Czech Republic and Nicaragua were in a must win situation. The Czechs advanced to this game by beating neighbour Germany and Nicaragua was sentenced to this game because of their loss vs Mexico.
Nicaragua 7 – 6 Czech Republic 
The Czech Republic started the game well with a three run bomb to left center field hit by Jakub Malik with two outs already. The two runners that he took with him got on base on a single (Petr Sila) and on a walk (Jakub Sladek). It appeared to be a quick innning for Nicaraguan starter Berman Espinoza, but after two quick outs he failed to get out of the inning.
After Nicaragua got on the board in the fifth when they scored two, the Czechs added another run in the same inning, to make it 4-2.
Eventually, Nicaragua tied the game in the eighth. Alex Sogard recorded two quick outs but 
then wasn’t helped by his defense. Dwight Britton doubled to center field, followed by what should have been the third out. But shortstop Petr Zyma committed a throwing error that allowed Britton to score and Melvin Novoa to advanced to second base. When Renato Morales singled to left field, Novoa tied the game at four.
As both teams did not score in the ninth, extra innings were needed. And with the World Baseball Classic, extra innings mean the dreaded tie-breaker rule. As both teams did not score in the tenth, the game went on to the eleventh. With runners on first and second and no outs (this is what the tie-breaker rule is about), Janior Montes laid down a sacrifice bunt to advance both Nicaraguan runners. Then Renato Morales hit a sac fly to to center field to drive in Ofilio Castro for the go ahead run. But that wasn’t all. With one out and runners in scoring position, Omar Obregon hit a line drive to center field to drive in both runners.
The Czech Republic also put two runners on first and second and loaded the bases on Martin Cervenka’s single. Tomas Polansky walked in a run off Jonathan Loaisiga, who was replaced immediately. Petr Zyma would drive in one more run on a 6-4 force out, but after that there was no gas left in the tank.
The winning pitcher was Jonathan Loaisiga who lasted two innings in relief in which he gave up two unearned runs on two hits. He walked one and struck out two.
Losing pitcher was Martin Schneider. In one inning in relief, he gave up three runs (one earned) on just one hit.
Best hitter for Nicaragua was Renato Morales, who went 3 for 4 with two RBI.
The Czechs let Nicaragua work for its money but it must be very bitter that three of the four errors that the team committed, cost them the game. Nevertheless, the Czechs can go home with their heads high. They showed that they have made a tremendous progress. Compared to Nicaragua with eleven players in affiliated ball, the Czechs had only one: catcher Martin Cervenka, who plays for the Cleveland Indians organization at A Full Season.
Nicaragua will take on Mexico tonight. But after the team was beaten up 11-0 in the previous matchup between the two, their chances may be slim.