Draci Brno clinched a spot in the finals of the Federations Cup in Brno, Czech Republic on Friday. They improved to 4-0 with a win over the Buffaloes Blagoevgrad. Also the Sölvesborg Firehawks and the Deurne Spartans won on Friday. The preliminary round ends on Saturday. Sölvesborg, Deurne and Apollo Bratislava hope for the second spot in the finals.
Apollo Bratislava (SVK) – Deurne Spartans (BEL) 5-6 (10)
The Deurne Spartans erased an 3-5 deficit in the ninth and beat Apollo Bratislava 6-5 after ten innings to improve to 3-1 for the tournament. Apollo had led since a three-run fifth. Frank Alves struck out 12 in 5 2/3 brilliant innings of scoreless one-hit relief to pick up the win. Richard Gottschall got charged with the loss.
Sölvesborg Firehawks (SWE) – SSHOR Moskvich (RUS) 12-2 (7)
The Sölvesborg Firehawks kept their final chances alive with a 12-2 win over SSHOR Moskvich in the afternoon game at MBS Stadium. Taking a 4-2 lead after three innings the Swedish team blew the score open with a five-run fourth. Brian and Joel Johnson scored three runs apiece. Brian Johnson also hit a home run. Karl Knutsson pitched seven innings for the win. He issued five hits and two runs (1 ER). Dmitry Galkin took the loss, surrendering eight hits, nine runs (6 ER) and four base on balls in four innings.
Draci Brno (CZE) – Buffaloes Blagoevgrad (BUL) 15-0 (5)
Draci Brno stormed past the Buffaloes Blagoevgrad 15-0 in five innings. Nine runs in the first put the game out of reach for the Buffaloes quickly. Adam and Jakub Hajtmar combined for five hits, four runs and five RBI. Petr Minarik gave up just two hits and two walks in five scoreless innings for the win. Alexander Blagoev took one for the team, getting charged with 15 hits, 15 runs (5 ER) and five base on balls in four innings, getting handed the loss.
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A live stream is offered through the website of host Draci Brno www.draci.cz/static/tv/