Italy wrapped up group play at the U18 World Cup in Florida with its fifth defeat in as many group games, the final loss coming at the hands of Australia, 5-4, after an Italian rally in the seventh and final inning stalled.
Entering the seventh tied at two apiece, Australia scored three runs in the top half of the frame, and Italy responded with two singles and a walk to load the bases with no outs in the bottom of the inning. A sacrifice fly by Tommaso Adorni and a fielder’s choice that scored Williams Wong cut the lead to one, but the third out followed on a fly ball, condemning the Italians to their second one-run loss in the tournament.
Wong (5-for-12, one double, two RBI), Edoardo Cornelli (4-for-13, one double, one RBI), and Alessandro Volpe (4-for-13, three RBI) powered Italy’s offense in group play.
On the mound, Sebastian Catellani tossed four scoreless innings in two appearances, including three innings in which he allowed just one hit against Japan, and Davide Montanari, who took the loss against Australia, pitched seven innings in three appearances. He was effective in the first six innings against Australia, allowing just two runs on four hits, before he was removed after allowing a single and a walk to start the seventh.
Italy will now move into the placement round, where it will face South Africa (Sep 15), Canada (Sep 16), and Brazil (Sep 17).
GROUP RESULTS
vs. Japan, 0-6 (box score)
vs. Chinese Taipei, 1-2 (box score)
vs. Mexico, 7-12 (box score)
vs. Panama, 0-10 (5 innings) (box score)
vs. Australia, 4-5 (box score)