Greece – Russia 5-3
RUS 000 002 100 3 4 1 GRE 201 000 02X 5 6 2
The Greek team got off to a good start in the opener of the Qualifier in Abrantes, Portugal. They defeated Russia 5-3 thanks to a two-run homerun by Michael Koutsantonakis in the eighth frame. It was one of three homeruns by Greece this morning. James Demetral and Erik Daniel Pappas went back-to-back in the first period for a fast 2-0 lead. Koutsantonakis added a run in the third with a RBI single. The Russians got on the board in the top of the sixth, when Alexey Kizin scored on an error and Nikita Monakhov scored on a RBI single by Maxim Monakhov. Alexander Vasiliev tied the game in the seventh with a solo shot. However they could not get any runner on afterwards.
Thomas Lyons (W 1-0) allowed four hits, three runs (1 ER) and six walks in seven innings for the win. He struck out eleven. Andrew Brack closed out the contest with two perfect innings to pick up the save. Nikol Chermoshentsev started for Russia and gave up four hits, three runs and three base on balls in three innings. Dmitry Seredenko (L 0-1) took the loss after five innings of relief.
Ireland – Portugal 8-11
POR 000 250 031 11 12 2 IRE 300 020 021 8 10 5
Portugal got off to a good start, hosting the qualifier. They overcame an early 0-3 deficit against Ireland and defeated them 11-9. Catcher Andrew Jacinto went three-for-four with a homerun and four RBI. Carlos Bolivar scored thrice for the Portuguese. The Irish catcher Jason Hove matched his counterpart at the plate. He also had three hits, a homerun and four RBI. Tom Kelly, Steve O’Sullivan and Doug Anglin each scored two runs.
Steven Correia (W 1-0) allowed ten hits, seven runs (6 ER) and five bb in seven innings. Nat Anglin (IRE) gave up five hits, seven runs (6 ER) and eight walks in five innings. Daniel Woodburne (L 0-1) took the loss.