Super 6 2018: Italy needs five innings to beat Czech Republic

In a rather ridiculous game, Italy was much too strong for the Czech Republic. Italy has a couple of power hitters on its squad but with the strong wind, almost every Italian player turned into a power hitter. The result was that eleven home runs were hit in this game. Nine by Italy, two by the Czechs. Italy cruised to 25-10 win.

The phrase “ridiculous game” refers to the eleven home runs that were hit in this game. If the wind would not have been this hard, not that many dingers would have been hit for sure.

After two innings, this game was already over as Italy had taken a 13-1 lead.
Every time the Czechs inched closer, the Italians stepped on it and walked away even more.

The biggest Czech inning was the fourth when the team scored four runs, partially thanks to a three-run shot by Jakub Malik. The Italians had two eight-run innings: the second and the fourth.

Former Major Leaguer Chris Colabello had his fair share of home runs as he hit three and went 5 for 5 with five runs batted in and four runs scored. Also, the other former Major Leaguer of the Italian team, Alex Liddi, did well. He went 4 for 5, hit two long balls, drove in five and scored four times as well.

Manager Gilberto Girali used three pitchers of which Carlos Teran pitched one inning for the win. After one inning it was clear that the Czech starter, Boris Bukaj, would be tabbed with the loss. In 1.1 innings he gave up eight runs on seven hits and a walk.

Jakub Malik was the best hitter for the Czech Republic as he went 2 for 3 with a home run, drove in five runs and scored twice.

Here are some impressions of the game.