Parma 1949 started the day with a dominant victory, while the Oosterhout Twins won a nailbiter with the home side on the first day of play in the Baseball Champions League Europe (BCL). The competition is modelled after a similar tournament of domestic champions in the Americas, and has essentially replaces the former CEB and WBSCE Champions Cup [link].
Parma 1949 12 – Draci Brno 2
Milan Prokop hit a two-run homer off Raymond Figueredo in the bottom of the first to give the Czechs an early lead, but Parma responded with a five-run third, highlighted by Ericson Leonora’s grand slam. Robel Garcia added a two-run shot in the ninth, and Yomel Rivera earned the win with three shutout innings of relief. Long-time Chiba Lotte Marines’ (NPB) veteran Takashi Ogino had a double and two singles from the leadoff position for Brno, while prospect Michal Šindelka had a two-bagger and a base knock. [Game Wrap]
Oosterhout Twins 2 – Guggenberger Legionaere 1
Ayumu Ishikawa won a pitching duel against Christian Pedrol as the Twins squeaked by Regensburg on their home turf. Ishikawa allowed one run over six innings, and Israel Baseball national-teamer Robert Paller provided the tie-breaker with a solo shot in the top of the fifth. Three pitchers toed the rubber for each side, combining for 11 strikeouts apiece. Pedro’s eight — in five innings — led the way. [Game Wrap]