Despite being defeated by Team Italy under the lights in Castions di Strada by a score of 9-0, Russia shut out Bulgaria 10-0 in a Porpetto day game. In other contests in Porpetto, Germany lit up Lithuania 17-1 and Poland punished Hungary 11-1.
Meanwhile in Ronchi dei Legionari, Kingdom of the Netherlands royally routed Austria 16-0, France beat Ukraine 5-2, and Israel shut out Croatia 7-0. Earlier in the day on the Castions di Strada field, Czech Republic sank Denmark 7-0 and Spain slid by Slovakia 5-3.
With day one in the books, Team Italy (1-0) and Poland (1-0) lead Pool A with Russia (1-1) not far behind. Hungary (0-1) and Bulgaria (0-1) are seeking their first win.
Kingdom of the Netherlands (1-0) and Germany (1-0) are on top of Pool B, while Austria (0-1) and Lithuania (0-1) trail.
The Pool C leaders are Czech Republic (1-0) and Israel (1-0). Croatia (0-1) and Denmark (0-1) hope to get back on track.
Spain (1-0) and France (1-0) squeaked out victories in Pool D, while unlucky Ukraine (0-1), and Slovakia (0-1) came up short.
Most of the games of Day one of the Women's Softball European Championship were streamed on baseballsoftball.tv
Find all the results and standings on WBSC Europe website.
/ Roberto Angotti x FIBS
Photo courtesy Ezio Ratti