Starting today, six national teams face off in Wrocław, Poland, in the B-Pool European Championship, with the winner qualifying for the 2027 Baseball Euros. The first day of play at Wrocławska Arena Sportu Baseball Field saw Slovakia overwhelm Lithuania, Ireland hold off a spirited Ukraine, and Poland overcome a sluggish start to defeat Norway.
Lithuania – Slovakia
Lithuania started off with its long-time ace, ex-big leaguer and NPB pitcher Dovydas Neverauskas, on the mound. Slovakia was in no way stymied, collecting nine of its 14 hits against the southpaw, though Neverauskas did strike out eight in his five frames. Veteran Martin Brunegraf had three base knocks on the day, including a double, driving in five. Mario Gottschall and Matej Rudohradský each had a pair of hits, while Samuel Deák struck out nine in seven innings for the win. Adomas Aleksandravičius was the only player for Lithuania with two hits.
Ukraine – Ireland
Kealan Smithers was superb for Ireland, punching out six in five shutout innings, allowing four hits and no base on balls. David Gallagher, Brendan Flaherty, Joe Cosgrove, and Fionn Gallahar-Hall each had two base knocks. Sergii Shtapura gave Ukraine a chance with 2.1 innings of solid relief.
Poland – Norway
Norway held a 3-2 lead through six thanks to the pitching of Lars Liguori, an RBI-double by Benjamin Davis, and two walks and two runs from Magnus Johnson. Poland finally got its offense going in the late innings, tying things up on a Joey Kalafut solo shot before taking a perilous 5-3 lead in the eighth before adding six in the final frame. Filip Sarota had three hits, Kalafut added a two-run double, and Carlos Romo and Connor Bowie each had a pair of safeties.
Box scores are available here [link]. Previous coverage includes: Preview [link]. See also coverage of the Baseball Euros Bulgaria Qualifier: Day 1 [link].
Results and Schedule
July 27
Lithuania 1 – Slovakia 11 (8)
Ukraine 2 – Ireland 6
Poland 11 – Norway 3
July 28
Ireland – Lithuania
Norway – Ukraine
Slovakia – Poland
Standings
| Team | W-L | RF | RA |
| Ireland | 1-0 | 6 | 2 |
| Poland | 1-0 | 11 | 3 |
| Slovakia | 1-0 | 11 | 1 |
| Lithuania | 0-1 | 1 | 11 |
| Norway | 0-1 | 3 | 11 |
| Ukraine | 0-1 | 2 | 6 |