BOGUSLAV, Ukraine — Rain delayed the final pool game of the Federations Cup Qualifier in Ukraine, but only after Tenerife claimed a spot in the championship with its third consecutive shutout. Tony Noguera was aces on the bump for the Marlins, and Jesús Ustariz carried over his monster Spanish Baseball League campaign with a big fly, reaching base in all four plate appearances. The Spanish power mercifully ended the lop-sided thrashing of London after five innings and will have one final hurdle to pass to claim promotion.
London 0 – Tenerife 18 (5)
The Capitals recorded as many hits against Marlins’ pitching as Utena and ATMA had combined, but their three safeties paled in comparison Tenerife’s 18. The Spanish club allowed London no false hopes, scoring in each of its four turns at bat, including nine runs in the second to take an 11-0 lead.
Noguera continued the stellar performances by Tenerife’s hurlers, permitting a mere three singles while sending down nine on strikes in five innings. Another veteran of Spain’s national squad, Noguera also turned in the Marlins’ third-straight game without dispensing a free pass.
Ustariz was 3-for-3 with a walk, scoring after every trip to the batter’s box. His home run was one of seven extra-base hits, with five Marlins bashing doubles. Indian Hills’ Ricardo van Grieken was tops with a pair of two-base knocks, which he used to drive in four. Rolando Rodríguez was one of those with a double, and he added two singles and a stolen base in another good effort by the backstop.
Standings
Team | W-L | RF | RA |
Tenerife Marlins | 3-0 | 53 | 0 |
Utenos Titanai | 1-1 | 27 | 21 |
London Capitals | 1-2 | 20 | 50 |
ATMA | 0-2 | 5 | 24 |
Results
Aug. 4: Tenerife 10 – Utenos 0 (7)
Aug. 4: London 9 – ATMA 5
Aug. 5: Utenos 27 – London 11 (7)
Aug. 5: ATMA 0 – Tenerife 15 (6)
Aug. 6: London 0 – Tenerife 18 (5)
Aug. 6: Utenos – ATMA (rescheduled from Aug. 6)
Final (Aug. 7): TBD – Tenerife