Parity reigns supreme in Italy as four teams sit atop the Serie A1 league standings heading into this weekend’s action.
#5 Danesi Nettuno (16-11) vs #1 Italeri Bologna (17-10)
Nettuno has dropped two in a row but has a talented pitching staff paced by Giovanni Jiminez (3-0, 1.42), Carlos Richetti (3-1, 1.62), and Diego Ricci (4-0, 3.15). The offense has scored 124 runs and is led by Giuseppe Mazzanti (.351) and Alejandro Baez (.305). Bologna has won 6-of-8 games with strong pitching that has a ERA of 1.91 and is led by Jesus Matos (7-2, 1.24) and Matteo D’Angelo (4-2, 1.42).
#1 Cariparma Parma (17-10) vs #6 San Marino (12-15)
The hottest team in Serie A1 – Cariparma Parma is 6-1 in their last seven games. A potent offensive attack is led by Adolfo Gomez (.342), Orlando Munoz (.330), and Laidel Chapelli (.323). T&A San Marino is also streaking and have won three straight. Juan Figueroa (2-4, 2.20) and Ivan Montane (2-0, 1.37) anchor the staff while Adolfo Matamoros (.336) and Maximiliano De Biase (.324) pace an offense which has scored 106 runs.
#7 Avigliani (6-21) vs #1 MP Grosseto (17-10)
Grosseto is struggling of late with a 3-3 mark in their last six games. Lincoln Mikkelsen (5-1, 1.52) and Junior Oberto (4-1, 1.12) provide a formidable 1-2 punch. Davide Dallospedale (.388) and Raul Marvel (.315) are the top hitters. Avigliana have lost 5-of-7 games and are struggling at the plate with a .203 team mark. Matt Marrone (1-5, 2.72) is the team ace pitcher.
#1 Telemarket Rimini (17-10) vs #7 De Angelis Godo (6-21)
The 2007 European Cup Champions will look to get back on track after dropping four of their past seven league games. Anthony Fiore (7-1, 1.55) and Sandy Patrone (6-2, 1.93) lead a staff that has allowed only 75 runs with a sparkling 2.39 ERA. Top hitters Paula Garcia (.321), Elvis De La Cruz Pena (.320), and Mario Chiarini (.313) pace on offense that has scored 110 runs.