Parma Clima seized control of their Italian Serie A Gold semifinal series on Friday night, defeating Macerata 11-2 in Game 5 on the road to take a three-games-to-two lead, according to reports from Gazzetta di Parma. Pitcher Claudio Scotti anchored the victory with a dominant performance on the mound, earning his ninth win of the season, while reliever Rivera secured his fourth save to push the club within reach of the championship finals.
Scotti and Rivera Lead the Mound Work
Claudio Scotti navigated the Macerata lineup with a mix of fastballs and breaking pitches, quieting the home side after an early push, as detailed by Gazzetta di Parma. Despite a double from Tomsjansen in the early frames, Scotti kept control before handing over to the bullpen. Rivera later closed out the contest to notch his fourth save of the year. Macerata cycled through arms, starting Nicola Garbella—who struggled with control, walking four-ball to Garcia and hitting Leonora in the opening frame—before turning to relievers Garavito and Fandino as Parma’s bats broke the game open.
Offensive Fireworks and Lineup Adjustments
Parma Clima responded immediately to Wednesday’s struggles by manufacturing three runs in the first inning, powered by an RBI sacrifice fly from Gonzalez and a two-run single from Lou Helmig. According to Gazzetta di Parma, Helmig finished the night with four RBIs. The visitors played with a heavily revised roster after morning medical exams revealed a muscular injury for national team captain Mineo, ruling him out for the remainder of the series. Cesare Astorri stepped into the lineup despite battling a fever and shoulder soreness, contributing two hits on five at-bats alongside multi-hit nights from Gonzalez (2-for-2), Leonora (2-for-3), and Battioni (2-for-5).
Series Schedule and Next Steps
With a 3-2 advantage in the best-of-seven series, Parma Clima returns home to host Game 6 and, if necessary, Game 7 on Sunday, August 23, and Monday, August 24, according to Gazzetta di Parma. The winner advances to the Serie A Gold championship series.
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