Ukraine gave undefeated Slovakia a thrill in the middle game of the tripleheader at Wrocławska Arena Sportu Baseball Field, Poland, but it remained at the top of the pile as qualification for the next Baseball Euros moved another day closer to resolution. Ireland and Poland reach recorded one-sided victories, setting up a showdown between the two for a spot in the Poland B-Pool championship game.
Norway – Ireland
The day opened with another strong performance from Ireland, which jumped out to a four-run lead in the second and never looked back. David Gallagher, Seamus Brown, Joe Cosgrove, and Brendan Flaherty each had a pair of hits, while Fionn Gallaher-Hall joined Cosgrove with a double.
William Siwinski, Josh Suda, and Isaiah Smith split the pitching duties for Ireland, combining on a two-hitter with seven strikeouts. Charles Conrad had both of Norway’s hits, a double and a single.
Ukraine – Slovakia
Slovakia put a ‘5’ on the scoreboard in the third, but then had to hold off its neighbor to the east, which had narrowed the gap to 5-3 in the sixth. Both teams then posted three-run innings in their next at bats, after which the bullpens locked things down. Kostiantiyn Chukhas was excellent for Ukraine, allowing only one hit, no walks, and no runs over the final 2.2 innings. Juraj Bartók stuck things out for six innings for the victory, allowing two runs on seven hits and a walk with no strikeouts, and closer Jakub Ižold went 1-2-3 in the ninth for the save.
Jakub Križan continued his scorching pace for the winners with three hits, including a double, scoring twice. Mário Gottschall, and Matej Škerlec had two hits apiece for Slovakia. Denys Brechko posted a double and two singles for Ukraine, scoring twice. Ihor Lukin and Chukhas chipped in a pair of safeties as well.
Poland – Lithuania
Although the Lithuanians held a 2-1 lead after two, it was quickly forgotten about Poland piled up 10 runs in the third and another seven in the following frame. Kevin Soltys pitched three one-run innings for the win.
Filip Sarota and Joey Kalafut went yard for the Polish baseball nine, each adding a single and another run to their tallies. Kalafut had four ribbies and Sarota three, while Dawid Korzekwa had a double, two walks, three runs, and two RBI and Hubert Zgórzyński notched a double, a walk, a stolen base, and three runs from the leadoff spot. Domas Kamandulis had two of Lithuania’s six hits.
Box scores are available here [link]. Previous coverage includes: Preview [link], Day 3 [link]. See also coverage of the Baseball Euros Bulgaria Qualifier: Day 4 [link].
Results and Schedule
July 30
Norway 2 – Ireland 12 (7)
Ukraine 6 – Slovakia 8
Poland 18 – Lithuania 3 (5)
July 31
Lithuania – Ukraine
Slovakia – Norway
Ireland – Poland
Standings
| Team | W-L | RF | RA |
| Slovakia | 4-0 | 41 | 16 |
| Ireland | 3-1 | 29 | 16 |
| Poland | 3-1 | 52 | 17 |
| Norway | 1-3 | 18 | 42 |
| Ukraine | 1-3 | 19 | 31 |
| Lithuania | 0-4 | 13 | 50 |