© Sportreport
After Team Austria just missed the quarter-finals of the European baseball championship in Piedmont / Italy, they celebrated Austrians in the first placement game a 4: 3 success over Slovakia. This means that ninth place – that would be the best result at an EM – is still within reach.
After the unfortunate course in the group stage – Austria missed the top 8 by one single out – Team Austria started on Wednesday in the placement games. With a close 4: 3 success over Slovakia, the remaining in the A-Pool was fixed ahead of time and the best result is still possible at a major international event.
For the Austrians, Thierry Letouzé started the match confidently as a pitcher and together with his defensive did not allow a run in the first two innings. The defensive of the Slovaks, on the other hand, was cracked for the first time in the second section. Sammy Hackel benefited from a thowing error and put the game’s first run on the scoreboard. A Sacrifies Fly by Marcell Mariette had Benni Salzmann doubled in the same section. The answer in the form of the equalization of the Slovaks who were still without a win in this tournament followed promptly. In the fifth inning, Team Austria had to accept a short delay before a home run by Ferdinand Obed brought Austria back on track. Mo Hackl, who replaced Letouzé in the seventh inning at the mound, and Tobias Kiefer, who took responsibility in the eighth and ninth innings, left the Slovak offense no longer able to turn the game. Kiefer posted three strikeouts in just two innings.
With the win, Team Austria will play the first game of the tournament on Thursday. From 10.30 a.m. against Russia there will be a direct duel for a top 10 placement.
Media info baseball association
15.09.2021
