The Italian team is in much better shape, as at the European championship in Barcelona, two months ago. They needed just seven innings to beat Spain 11-1.
Italy showed no rust at all, as they started fast and scored six runs in the first frame. They added runs in four of the first five innings and received their first win of the tournament easily.
Mario CHIARINI (for three runs in the first) and Max DI BIASE (solo-shot in the third) hit homeruns. CHIARINI added a double later on. DI BIASE had three hits in four at-bats overall. Jack SANTORA was two for three.
Angel RODRIGUEZ CARMONA had two hits for Spain. Lopez NAVARRO doubled and scored on a single by Marc CARILLO.
Anthony FIORE (W 1-0) pitched five innings to earn the win. He gave up one run on three hits and a walk. He struck out three. Mattia SALSI closed out the game with two scoreless innings.
Yoel HERNANDEZ (L 0-1) had not his best day. He allowed ten hits, ten runs and one walk in four innings. He struck out four. Pol LLOPIS followed him on the mound for the Spanish.
ITA 610 310 X 11 13 0