Super 6 2018: Czech Republic beats Belgium in slugfest

An entertaining game in which a lot happened. The score went back and forth and eventually, the Czech Republic stepped off the field as a victor as it beat Belgium 15-10. 

Perhaps pitching wise it wasn’t the best game of the tournament as both pitching staffs gave up many runs. But it was a game in which a lot happened so for the neutral fan it may have been an entertaining one.

The Czech Republic took a, what appeared to be, commanding lead as it scored five times on two singles, a walk, a double, a fielding error and a sac fly. But Belgium showed flexibility in the next inning. A leadoff solo home run by Steven De Lannoy, a single by Robin Roevens, doubles by Jamie Verheyleweghen, Tim Veraghtert and Yves Poesmans and a single by Thomas de Wolf drove in four runs.

After Belgium took a 7-6 lead and walked away to a 10-7 lead in the sixth and the seventh inning, the Czech Republic showed some flexibility as well. In the bottom of the seventh inning, a two-run home run by Premek Chroust brought the Czechs within a run from Belgium. A double to left center field by Martin Cervinka drove in Daniel Varvusa all the way from first base to tie the game at ten.

In the bottom of the eighth inning, the Czech offense exploded and the Belgian pitching imploded. The Czechs drove in five runs thanks to home runs by Matej Hejma, Martin Muzik and Martin Cervinka.

Martin Schneider pitched the final two innings in no-hit fashion for the win as he gave up one walk and struck out four. Yannick Gontier took the loss after 0.2 innings in which he gave up two runs on two hits and a walk.

Best hitter for the Czech Republic was Jakub Malik, who went 2 for 3 with a double and two runs scored. With six runs batted in thanks to a home run and a double, Martin Muzik had the biggest impact.

Thanks to this win, the Czech Republic now in fourth place with a 1-2 record. Belgium is still without a win despite giving their opponents a hard time.

In total, both teams hit sixteen extra-base hits. Belgium three home runs and six doubles, the Czech Republic four home runs and three doubles.