The Ukraine has won the U21 European Championship in Tel Aviv, Israel. They defeated Russia 7-5 in the Gold Medal Game on Thursday at Baptist College ballpark. The Ukraine took a quick 4-0 lead in the first and led 7-1 after five frames. However Russia rallied for four runs in the last three innings to make things interesting. Nonetheless the Ukraine prevailed in the end and lifted the trophy.
Kostiantyn Chukas and Yevhen Zhantalai led the way by scoring two runs apiece for the Ukraine. Mikhail Korovin drove in two for Russia. Vitalii Chukhrii conceded eight hits, three runs and a walk in 6 2/3 innings for the win. He struck out four. Heorgii Hvrytishvili got the last two outs on strikeouts for the save. Petr Balan surrendered four hits, six runs (4 ER) and three base on balls in four innings to take the loss.
In the game for third place Lithuania beat host Israel 11-3 (box score) earlier in the day to pick up the bronze medal. Nine runs combined in the seventh and eighth decided the outcome late in the game. Kestas Vilimas hit a grand slam and drove in six runs for Lithuania. Gytis Morkunas struck out nine in a complete game win. Shlomo Lipman got charged with the loss.
Final Standings:
Complete results and statistics are available through CEB’s competition website www.baseballstats.eu