European Championship U18: Germany beat Czech Republic with a walk-off hit
Czech team was one out from winning their first game at U18 European Championship. But their opponent was able to handle the nerve-wrecking finish better.
Czech started Michal Zelenka, while Germany relied on Moritz van Bergen. It was the German pitcher who started the game better as he didn’t allow Czechs much. On the other hand, Germans scored first runs in the bottom of the second inning. First, with an RBI triple from Christopher Hanson who was scored in only moments later by Bjarne Reinhardt.
In the third inning first Czech runner got on base, when Michal Antoň walked and then stole the second base. But none of his teammates managed to send him home. An inning later, Czech team had even better opportunity, when they loaded the bases without outs. However, van Bergen threw two strikeouts and Czechs didn’t score here either.
Hanson hit Czech pitcher to leg in the bottom of the fourth inning. After a short medical care, Czech continued, but after one batter, Albert Pražák substituted him on the mound. Pražák then finished the inning with a strikeout.
Germans also changed pitcher in the fifth inning, as Niccolo Dando came in for van Bergen. Dando made a quick work of Czech team. Czech weren’t detoured, however, they got three walks to start the sixth inning and loaded the bases with no outs. Germany coach substituted Dando for left handed pitcher Noah Lindt. First batter to face him was Ondřej Filip, who was eventually walked, scoring in first Czech run. Only moments later, German catcher didn’t stop Lindt’s pitch and the score was leveled. Nicolas O’Rourke scored in third run after a sacrificial flyout and Czech team was ahead for the first time in the game.
Czechs needed to defend the narrow lead. After second out, German though there was a dead ball, but the referee disagreed and even ejected German coach for protests. Germany got a runner on base, but before that happened, Czech dugout also protested. Referee didn’t change their mind either. Next batter was also successful and the downfall of Czech team was finished with a double from Lou Helmig who cleared the bases and got his team a walk-off win.
Ideally, Czech team will now need to win both remaining games, otherwise, their chances to get to semifinals might be in jeopardy.
| European Championship U18 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | R | H | E |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CZE | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 0 |
| GER | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 4 | 8 | 0 |
