The day began with the continuation of the rain-delayed game between Italy and Czechia. Czechia emerged victorious with a 7-4 win. Italy took an early lead, scoring 2 runs in the first inning and adding another in the third before the game was interrupted yesterday. Czechia responded with a powerful 6-run burst in the fifth inning, turning the game around. They added another run in the sixth inning, sealing their victory with a final score of 7-4.
Türkiye demonstrated their strength with a commanding 22-1 win over Israel, while Germany followed suit with a 12-1 victory against Croatia. Belgium defeated Austria 16-3, and Ukraine triumphed over Great Britain with an 8-1 win.
In a crucial match, Italy bested Spain 3-1. Italy took an early lead, scoring in the first inning and adding another run in the third. Spain managed to put one run on the board in the fifth inning, but Italy's defense held strong. Giada Cagni earned the win with a solid pitching performance, while Emma Obino secured the save.
The day concluded with Czechia defeating the Netherlands 7-1, ensuring their spot in the final. After a scoreless first inning, Czechia took control in the second inning with 2 runs, followed by another 2 runs in the third and 3 more in the fourth inning. The Netherlands managed to score a single run in the fifth inning, but it was not enough to overcome Czechia's lead. Eliska Kotyzova pitched an excellent game for Czechia, earning the win with an impressive ERA of 0.67.
Today's games have decided the two finalists for the championship: Italy and Czechia will compete for the gold medal and the Title of European Champion. Spain and the Netherlands will face off in the bronze medal game.
Croatia, Great Britain, Ukraine, and Germany will play for their final placement in the tournament, determining their overall standings.
In the final rankings, Belgium secured the 9th position, followed by Türkiye in 10th, Austria in 11th, Israel in 12th, and Poland in 13th place.
Stay tuned to softballeurope.tv for live coverage and updates. Event passes are available for €24.99, with pay-per-view options at €6.99.
Live play-by-play is available on the WBSC Europe website.
Cover photo by Aneta Šimůnková