France scored four runs in the seventh to stun Italy 5-1 Sunday in the biggest upset so far at the European Championships.
Ace pitcher Nicolas DUBAUT (1-0) scattered eight hits over 6.2 innings while limiting the Italians to only one run to get the win. Pierrick LEMESTRE pitched 2.1 innings of one-hit ball to earn the save.
The French National Team (2-0) were led by Jamel BOUTAGRA and Florian PEYRICHOU who had two hits apiece. BOUTAGRA scored once and knocked in a run with a pair of doubles.
DUBAUT, who led the Rouen Huskies to the French Baseball League crown this past season, made all the key pitches to contain an Italian National Team (1-1) that ripped Ukraine for 17 hits a day earlier. Italy routed France 11-1 two years ago.
Italian ace Sandy PATRONE tossed 4.2 solid innings before getting the hook. The Telemarket Rimini hurler struck out six while allowing only one run and three hits. Roberto CORRADINI was hit hard in just two innings and suffered the loss. James BUCCHERI (2-for-2, 2 BB) and Davide DALLOSPEDALE (2-for-4, BB) were the top hitters for Italy.
Yes!
France rolled over Italy all year.
congratulations to “LES BLEUS”…
Keep on going!