The Austrians National Team has a rough tournament start against the reigning European Champions, the Netherlands. The Austrians knew the game was going to be tough, so their goal was to stay close for as long as possible.
The gameplan lasted not even through the first Inning as the Dutch scored eight times against starting pitcher Clemens CHIOCHOKI. After CHIOCHOKI David KÖRBER went on the mount followed by Wolfgang STRINI and Harry KAINZ in the later Innings. Although the Dutch team dominated the game, Austria played better during the course of the game and the Dutch offense made less points in the later Innings.
The Dutch starter Diegomar MARKWELL had no problems at all with the Austrian hitters. MARKWELL pitched a one-hit-shutout with Designated Hitter Martin RABENGRUBER getting the only hit. Autria had a total of five baserunners in five Innings.
Having expected a loss against the reigning European champion a 22-0 loss is still a hard defeat and comes at the wrong time because Austria will play Germany the next day. The duel between Germany and Austria are always very special for both neighboring countries.
One can be sure that the Austrian coach saved a couple of their better pitchers for this match.
Photos (c) by Joe Yun (AUT)