The baseball tournament at the 2017 Universiade in Taipei, Taiwan started with strong performances by two of Europe’s three participants. In early afternoon France stunned host Chinese Taipei with a 4-3 victory. France was trailing by three runs entering the bottom of the ninth innings, but came back to win it. The game-winner came on a dramatic error, as Chinese Taipei’s center fielder dropped a flyball from Felix Brown, allowing three runs to come around and score ending the game in walk-off fashion. Norbert Jongerius had three hits for France. Owen Ozanich pitched 7 1/3 solid innings. Vincent Debove earned the win.
In the evening the Czech Republic followed suite. Against Korea they won 4-3 thanks to run by David Neveril in the top of the ninth. Matej Hejma collected three hits and three RBI, as the score was tied 3-3 since the fourth inning. Michal Sobotka got the win. Josef Chilar the save. Jan Novak had issued three runs on seven hits and a walk in seven innings to start the game. Meanwhile Russia lost their opening game 0-19 against Japan. Team Nippon scored in each of the five innings played, including nine times in the second. Andrei Lobanov got charged with the loss. Artem Kulik and Nikita Monakhov collected the two lone hits for Russia’s offense.
In the fourth game on day one of the baseball tournament in Taipei City the United States edged out Mexico 3-2. On Tuesday France will face Korea, while the Czech take on Chinese Taipei. Russia squares off against Team USA.