Cuba – Germany 8-2
GER 200 000 000 2 6 1 CUB 100 120 40X 8 14 0
Andre Hughes pitched six-plus strong innings, but Germany still lost 2-8 to Cuba on Saturday afternoon in Santiago, Panama. They dropped to 0-6 at the 2011 IBAF Baseball World Cup. Donald Lutz had given the squad of head coach Greg Frady a 2-0 lead in the opening frame thanks to a two-run homerun, his second long ball in the tournament. Cuba needed until the fourth inning to tie the contest on a solo shot by Jose Abreu. Two runs on a RBI double by Alfredo Despaigne and a RBI fielder’s choice by Youlieski Gourriel made it 4-2 for Cuba one inning later. Four runs in the seventh, three against 18-year-old reliever Daniel Thieben, blew the score wide open. Germany will take on Australia on Sunday to conclude its adventure to Panama.
Germanyy has not won a game but they have been competitive in every game and even against the best team in the world at this level. Germany is not far behind Italy and Netherlands in Europe. Spain are making good progress and Greece have produced some excellent results, How about a national team playing as a club team (from each country in Europe) with 2 teams from Italy and Netherlands.For instance what about a league like this, London, Prague,Barcelona, Athens or Thessolanikki, Frankfurt (Rudesheim), Amsterdam,Rotterdam, San Marino ,Bologna, Rouen, Each club /country could attract the best talent available in thier country and give them the coaching and experience they need to play at a world level. The league would demand proper stadiums, attract spectators ,income, and sponsorship. £ games series played each week end (Friday evening,Saturday and Sunday) as they do now in Italy and Netherlands.
Add Russia and Belgium to that list.
I think you should talk to Robert Eenhoorn Technical Director KNBSB. He has a similar idea.