EXL: Hluboká won the only Opening Day game played

31.3.2023 Zuzana Ferková 2 min read

Despite having two games planned on Friday, we only got to see one during Extraliga Opening Day. Ostrava welcomed players from Sokol Hluboká nad Vltavou.

Arrows planned to start Ondřej Satoria, however, they were forced to make a change after pitcher’s health issue. Instead, we got to see Marko Vykoukal. Sokol started Japanese Rui Narasaki.

Both pitchers started the game well as we had to wait till the third inning to see first run scored. It came thanks to Martin Mužík‚s hit, but it could go much worse of the home team since Hluboká loaded the bases without an out. However, Arrows then play a triple play and finished the half inning.

Arrows tied the game in the bottom half after Radim Novotný sent home Jakub Kubica.

But it only took till the 5th inning for Hluboká to get the lead back, when Mužík’s sacrificial hit sent home second run. Vasyl Županyn then added another similar run in the sixth inning.

Hluboká substituted Naraski in the sixth inning and Štěpán Havlíček came in. Japanese pitcher finished his first start with 5IP, 1R and 4K.

Marko Vykoukal remained on the mound an inning longer, and was substituted in the seventh inning by Filip Votava. The change played in Hluboká’s cards, who increased their lead with three run. Ostrava was able to load the bases afterwards, but they were only able to score one run.

Arrows put their hopes on Jan Kozel, who will celebrate his 17th birthday on Saturday. Visitors gifted him a run, which came thanks to Martin Mužík. This was Mužík’s 3rd RBI, while Matěj Dvořák scored 4 runs.

These were also the last runs of the game, finishing in Hluboká’s 7-2 win. Sokol will hold the first place in Extraliga standings for at least a day. The second game of the series is planned on Saturday, where remaining team should get to play as well.