EC: Slovakia couldn’t hold the lead against Ukraine and is demoted from elite category

Before Friday game against Ukraine, Slovakia knew they needed to win to remain in the elite category of European Championship.

Slovakia entered the game well, pressing against Ukraine starter, who was substituted after four batters. Slovaks batted around and started the first inning with 3-0 lead.

Marko Vykoukal also started well on the mound when he didn’t allow his opponent to gain momentum. Unfortunately, Slovak defense made several small errors in the second inning, which ended in two Ukraine runs. Jakub Horáček then ended Ukraine half of the inning with an excellent defensive performance, when he leaped to catch the ball, earning applause from everyone in the stands and on the field.

Slovaks continued to play well in the fourth inning as well, when they loaded the bases without an out. However, they were only able to get one run after a hit from Tomáš Biskorovájný.

Marko Vykoukal threw six inning, allowing 6 hits and 2 runs (0 earned runs). Slovakia sent Markus Racík on the mound for the seventh inning. He was able to deal with loaded bases without allowing a run. Unfortunately, Ukraine leveled the score in the eight inning, when Konstantin Bojko batted in his brother Roman with a triple, only to finish the squeeze play and the game started all over again.

Slovaks could take the lead in the ninth inning, but they couldn’t bat in the runner on the second base. Martin Lukačka then stepped on the mound, but was welcomed by a triple from Konstantyn Čuchas. Next batter was walked, which was followed by the intentional walk. Unfortunately, following batting duel was won by Ukraine batter, who was walked after eight pitches. The following run then demoted Slovakia from the elite category.

There is still a game to play for Slovakia, however, when they can get the final 15th place at 10:00 on Saturday.

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