European Championship U18: After a blowout, Czech Republic won’t play for medals

A very important game against Spain awaited Czechs at U18 European Championship on Wednesday. If they were to lose, they wouldn’t get a chance to play for medals or World Championship spot.

David Winkler’s team didn’t start the game well. Matěj Vlach had a hit in the first inning, but three batters who followed were all striked out. On the other hand, Spain took 1-0 after Czech error.

Czech starter Matyáš Němčanský begun the second inning with a strikeout, but he then walked three batters in a row. Němčanský was then substituted for Boris Večerka who had to face Lluis Bádenas. Spanish player got a single on him, Czech team then intentionally walked following player and the bases were loaded again. Unfortunately, instead of desired double play, Večerka walked the batter and Jesús Montano scored in the fifth run. Subsequently, Večerka was substituted for Tadeáš Kalčev. Kalčev managed to stop Spanish offense with a double play.

In the third inning, Czechs got two runners on base, but their scoring efforts were halted after two strikeouts. In the bottom half of the inning Spanish bats were on fire once again and even pitcher substitution didn’t do the trick this time. Spain finished Czech suffering in the fifth inning after they scored tenth inning and game ended on mercy rule.

Czechs only have two losses in the group so far, and they will need to beat Austria on Thursday. If they manage to do so, they will play for the fifth place. If not, they will have to play to remain in the Championship. This would also mean they would earn the worst place in U18 European Championship. For now, seventh place in 2009 is the worst performance Czechs showed at the Championship. Along with 2007 these were the only two occasions when they didn’t get to top 4.

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