Pony and Colt Baseball, and Colt Girls Softball (Prague, Czech Republic)
Day 1:
Despite heavy morning rains at Prague Eagles and Tempo baseball parks, the 2017 SUMA Open European Zone Championships officially begun in Prague, Czech Republic for the 29 teams across the Pony 14U and Colt 16U baseball divisions. Offensive firepower was on display during opening day, pool play action, as teams looked to set themselves up well on the right paths to the title.
Pony 14U
Scores:
8 a.m. Polsko A (POL) 18 Brest Zubrs (BLR) 5
8 a.m. Moskovich (RUS) 15 Ukraine 0
10 a.m. Prague (CZE) 5 Holandsko C (NED) 3
10 a.m. Holandsko B (NED) 7 Kaunas (LTU) 6
12 p.m. Holandsko A (NED) 8 Draci Brno (CZE) 4
12 p.m. Czech Academy (CZE) 12 Brest Zubrs (BLR) 2
3 p.m. Holandsko B (NED) 15 London Mets (GBR) 0
3 p.m. Austrian Academy (AUT) 10 Holandsko C (NED) 2
5 p.m. Czech Academy (CZE) 9 Polsko A (POL) 2
5 p.m. Holandsko A (NED) 19 Ukraine (UKR) 0
Batting leaders by total bases:
Sem Kuijper (Holandsko B, NED) 4-for-4, 2B, HR, two runs scored, two RBI (8 total bases)
Filip Sarota (Polsko A, POL) 5-for-6, 3B, three runs scored, two RBI, 2 SB (7 total bases)
Pitching leaders by ERA (min. 3 IP):
Ilyn Sladzinski (Kaunas, LTU) 3 IP, 0.00 ERA, 3 hits allowed, BB, HB, 7 K
Benjamin Pfortner (Austrian Academy, AUT) 3 IP, 0.00 ERA, one hit allowed, BB, 4 K
Guy van-Son (Holandsko A, NED) 3 IP, 0.00 ERA, four hits allowed, 4 K
Tomorrow’s schedule:
8 a.m. Draci Brno (CZE) vs. Ukraine (UKR)
8 a.m. London Mets (GBR) vs. Kaunas (LTU)
10 a.m. Czech Academy (CZE) vs. Polsko A (POL)
10 a.m. Holandsko B (NED) vs. Polsko B (POL)
12 p.m. Prague (CZE) vs. Holandsko C (NED)
12 p.m. Draci Brno (CZE) vs. Moskvich (RUS)
2 p.m. Brest Zubrs (BLR) vs. Czech Academy (CZE)
2 p.m. Austrian Academy (AUT) vs. Prague (CZE)
4 p.m. Polsko B (POL) vs. London Mets (GBR)
4 p.m. Moskvich (RUS) vs. Holandsko A (NED)
6 p.m. Polsko A (POL) vs. Brest Zubrs (BLR)
6 p.m. Holandsko C (NED) vs. Austrian Academy (AUT)
Colt 16U
Scores:
8 a.m. Brest Zubrs (BLR) 15 Prague (CZE) 0
8 a.m. El Llano (ESP) 8 GUFK Minsk (BLR) 2
10 a.m. Belgium Academy (BEL) 7 Alligators (SRB) 0
10 a.m. Holandsko B (NED) 9 Swiss NT (CHE) 0
12 p.m. Holandsko A (NED) 7 Bordeaux Academy (FRA) 0
12 p.m. Holandsko C (NED) 14 London Mets (GBR) 12
2 p.m. Czech Academy (CZE) 22 Alligators (SRB) 0
2 p.m. Austrian Academy (AUT) 12 Serbia (SRB) 0
4 p.m. London Mets (GBR) 5 El Llano (ESP) 1
4 p.m. Holandsko A (NED) 20 Prague (CZE) 0
6:15 p.m. Czech Academy (CZE) 15 Belgium Academy (BEL) 0
Batting leaders by total bases:
Daniel Padysak (Czech Academy, CZE) 3-for-6, 2B, 3B, three runs scored, RBI, SB (seven total bases)
Denis Alekseenko (GUFK Minsk, BLR) 4-for-4, 2B, 3B, two runs scored, BB (seven total bases)
Martin Zelenka (Czech Academy, CZE) 4-for-4, 2B, 3B, five runs scored, HBP, 4 SB (seven total bases)
Pitching leaders by ERA (min. 3 IP):
Scott Prins (Holandsko A, NED) W, 4 IP, 0.00 ERA, 0 hits allowed, 2 HB, 6 K
Finn Blokker (Holandsko B, NED) W, 3 IP, 0.00 ERA, 2 hits allowed, 6 K
Marcel Mariette (Austrian Academy, AUT) W, 3 IP, 0.00 ERA, 3 hits allowed, 2 K
Tomorrow’s schedule:
8 a.m. Swiss NT (CHE) vs. Serbia (SRB)
8 a.m. Alligators (SRB) vs. Belgium Academy (BEL)
10 a.m. Holandsko C (NED) vs. GUFK Minsk (BLR)
10 a.m. Brest Zubrs (BLR) vs. Bordeaux Academy (FRA)
12 p.m. Austrian Academy (AUT) vs. Swiss NT (CHE)
12 p.m. Czech Academy (CZE) vs. Alligators (SRB)
2 p.m. Holandsko A (NED) vs. Brest Zubrs (BLR)
2 p.m. Bordeaux Academy (FRA) vs. Prague (CZE)
4 p.m. GUFK Minsk (BLR) vs. London Mets (GBR)
4 p.m. Holandsko B (NED) vs. Serbia (SBR)
6 p.m. Holandsko C (NED) vs. El Llano (ESP)
6 p.m. Belgium Academy (BEL) vs. Czech Academy (CZE)
8 p.m. Austrian Academy (AUT) vs. Holandsko B (NED)
Follow all the excitement tomorrow as PONY baseball action continues and PONY softball play begins in the Colt 16U girls softball division at 2 a.m. ET/US, 8 a.m. local time in Prague. For links to game scores, game schedules and electronic scoring gamecasts, go here. Also Like PONY Baseball and Softball and SUMA Pony League on Facebook, @PONYbbsb on Twitter and ponybaseballsoftball on Instagram.
Photos courtesy of Jan Bagin, PONY European Zone Director:
Day 2:
The weather cleared and the standout teams from day one continued to excel during day two of the 2017 SUMA PONY European Zone Championships in Prague, Czech Republic. In the Pony 14U baseball division, Czech Academy, Austrian Academy and Holandsko A stayed undefeated, while in the Colt 16U baseball division, Czech Academy, Austrian Academy and Holandsko A and C all followed suit with wins. Additionally, the Colt 16U girls softball division opened play and fours teams set themselves up well for paths to the title.
Follow all the excitement tomorrow as PONY baseball and softball action continues at 2 a.m. ET/US, 8 a.m. local time in Prague. For links to game scores, game schedules and electronic scoring gamecasts, go here. Also Like PONY Baseball and Softball and SUMA Pony League on Facebook, @PONYbbsb on Twitter and ponybaseballsoftball on Instagram.
Pony 14U:
Recap:
After two wins yesterday, the Czech Academy bats stayed hot Saturday, as the 2014 champions have now outscored their opponents 50-5 after two days of play. The Austrian Academy survived two high-scoring, one-run games over Prague (CZE) and Holandsko C (NED). The Austrians took advantage of a Prague miscue in the final inning, as Dan Kawanishi scored the winning run on a passed ball to give the Austrian Academy a 12-11 victory. In their second game, trailing 10-3 going into the final inning, the Austrian Academy scored eight runs to take the lead and Lukas Inmann held off a late charge by Holandsko B, as they left two runners on base. The 2015 champions stayed undefeated with a 12-11 win. In another highly competitive round two matchup, Draci Brno (CZE) defeated Moskvich (RUS) 7-6. The Russians scored five runs in the final inning and had a runner on third base, but Dominik Polgar got Dmitry Astachenko to ground out to secure the win.
Scores:
8 a.m. Draci Brno (CZE) 22 Ukraine (UKR) 2
8 a.m. Kaunas (LTU) 12 London Mets (GBR) 0
10 a.m. Czech Academy (CZE) 11 Polsko A (POL) 0
10 a.m. Holandsko B (NED) 11 Polsko B (POL) 1
12 p.m. Holandsko C (NED) 5 Prague (CZE) 3
12 p.m. Draci Brno (CZE) 7 Moskvich (RUS) 6
2 p.m. Czech Academy (CZE) 18 Brest Zubrs (BLR) 1
2 p.m. Austrian Academy (AUT) 12 Prague (CZE) 11
4 p.m. London Mets (GBR) 15 Polsko B (POL) 7
4 p.m. Holandsko A (NED) 25 Moskvich (RUS) 0
6 p.m. Polsko A (POL) 9 Brest Zubrs (BLR) 2
6 p.m. Austrian Academy (AUT) 11 Holandsko C (NED) 10
Batting leaders by total bases:
Petr Vojta (Czech Academy, CZE) 7-for-9, 2B, 3 HR, 8 runs scored, 12 RBI, 4 BB, 2 SB (17 total bases)
Sam Brouns (Holandsko A, NED) 4-for-6, 2B, 2 HR, 4 runs scored, 7 RBI, BB, SB (11 total bases)
Pitching leaders by ERA (min. 4 IP):
Anton Aliaksandrau (Kaunas, LTU) W, 4 IP, 0.00 ERA, 0 hits allowed, 6 K, 4 BB
Vit Hrdlicka (Prague, CZE) 0.00 ERA, 2 hits allowed, K, 2 BB
Milan Tomecek (Czech Academy) 2 W, 4 IP, 0.00 ERA, 1 hit allowed, 5 K, 4 BB
Tomorrow’s schedule:
8 a.m. Austrian Academy (AUT) vs. Prague (CZE)
8 a.m. Kaunas (LTU) vs. Polsko B (POL)
10 a.m. Czech Academy (CZE) vs. Draci Brno (CZE)
12 p.m. Holandsko A (NED) vs. Polsko A (POL)
Colt 16U:
Recap:
After two day one wins in which the team was not scored upon, the Czech Academy bats stayed hot with two, double-digit wins. After two days of play, the defending European Zone Champions have outscored their opponents 64-1. Like their counterparts in the Pony 14U division, the Austrian Academy survived with two close victories. In their first game of the day versus first-time entrant the Swiss National Team, the Austrians witnessed heroics from batter Christoph Hoscher, who hit a game-winning RBI double to score Moritz Bickel in the bottom of the sixth inning to win 5-4. In their second game, which was the final game of the day, the Austrians fell behind Holandsko B 4-2, but after back-to-back innings in which they scored two runs a piece, Christoph Vanas and Florian Amon provided three innings of shutout relief on the mound for the win. Holandsko A and C both stayed undefeated with wins on day two, and after losing its first and only game of day one, the Bordeaux Academy (FRA) rebounded on day two with two wins (13-2 over Brest Zubrs, BLR and 9-2 over Prague (CZE). Likewise, the London Mets carried over the momentum from a late afternoon win yesterday over El Llano (ESP) into day two with a 7-5 win over GUFK Minsk (BLR), as the Belarussians were marred by nine errors which turned into runs for the English.
Scores:
8 a.m. Serbia (SRB) 4 Swiss NT (CHE) 3
8 a.m. Belgium Academy (BEL) 19 Alligators (SRB) 0
10 a.m. Holandsko C (NED) 7 GUFK Minsk (BLR) 3
10 a.m. Bordeaux Academy (FRA) 13 Brest Zubrs (BLR) 2
12 p.m. Austrian Academy (AUT) 5 Swiss NT (CHE) 4
12 p.m. Czech Academy (CZE) 16 Alligators (SRB) 1
2 p.m. Holandsko A (NED) 10 Brest Zubrs (BLR) 0
2 p.m. Bordeaux Academy (FRA) 9 Prague (CZE) 2
4 p.m. London Mets (GBR) 7 GUFK Minsk (BLR) 5
4 p.m. Holandsko B (NED) 7 Serbia (SRB) 2
6 p.m. Holandsko C (NED) 10 El Llano (ESP) 0
6 p.m. Czech Academy (CZE) 11 Belgium Academy (BEL) 0
8 p.m. Austrian Academy (AUT) 6 Holandsko B (NED) 4
Batting leaders by total bases:
Marek Krejcirik (Czech Academy, CZE) 7-for-13, 2B, 3B, 8 runs scored, 7 RBI, 2 BB, 8 SB (11 total bases)
David Mares (Czech Academy, CZE) 6-for-10, 5 2B, 9 runs scored, 7 RBI, 2 BB, HBP, SB (11 total bases)
Pitching leaders by ERA (min. 4 IP):
Scott Prins (Holandsko A, NED) W, 4 IP, 0.00 ERA, 0 hits allowed, 6 K, 2 HB
Angelo Thau (Austrian Academy, AUT) W, 5 IP, 1.40 ERA, 2 hits allowed, K, BB
Ugnius Navickas (GUFK Minsk, BLR) 5 IP, 1.40 ERA, 9 hits allowed, 5 K, 3 BB
Tomorrow’s schedule:
8 a.m. Swiss NT (CHE) vs. GUFK Minsk (BLR)
10 a.m. Czech Academy (CZE) vs. London Mets (GBR)
10 a.m. Austrian Academy (AUT) vs. Bordeaux Academy (FRA)
12 p.m. Holandsko A (NED) vs. Holandsko B (NED)
12 p.m. Holandsko C (NED) vs. Belgium Academy (BEL)
2 p.m. Alligators (SRB) vs. Brest Zubrs (BLR)
2 p.m. Serbia (SRB) vs. El Llano (ESP)
Colt 16 U girls softball:
Recap:
It was opening day of the fifth anniversary of the SUMA PONY European Zone Colt 16U girls softball Championships, as the winner moves on to advance to the East Zone Girls Softball World Series in Sterling, Virginia this summer. Third place finisher from 2016, the Red cats (CZE), kicked off the tournament with a 9-1 win over Sabat Praha (CZK) and the team continued its momentum into the final game of the day with a 13-0 win over Polsko (POL). Fifth-place finishers from a year ago, Ukraine (UKR), also excelled on day one with a 9-1 win over Arrows Ostrava (CZE) and the Storms (CZK) 14-1, respectively. Also, Joudrs STK (CZE) and newcomers SK HSM (CZK) and Calita (RUS) surprised, as the three teams both finished day one undefeated.
Scores:
9 a.m. Red cats (CZE) 9 Sabat Praha (CZK) 1
9 a.m. London Mets (GBR) 4 Slovensko (SVK) 2
9 a.m. SK HSM (CZK) 9 Eagles White (CZE) 3
11 a.m. Joudrs STK (CZE) 14 Eagles Green (CZE) 2
11 a.m. Storms (CZK) 17 Joudrs MLK (CZE) 6
11 a.m. Ukraine (UKR) 9 Arrows Ostrava (CZE) 1
1 p.m. Flames (LTU) 9 Serbia (SRB) 2
1 p.m. Joudrs STK (CZE) 9 London Mets (GBR) 2
1 p.m. Calita (RUS) 2 Polsko (POL) 1
3 p.m. Eagles White (CZE) 16 Flames (LTU) 11
3 p.m. Ukraine (UKR) 14 Storms (CZK) 1
3 p.m. Calita (RUS) 5 Sabat Praha 1
5 p.m. SK HSM (CZK) 10 Serbia (SRB) 0
5 p.m. Arrows Ostrava (CZE) 11 Joudrs MLK (CZE) 1
5 p.m. Slovensko (SVK) 4 Eagles Green (CZE) 2
7 p.m. Red cats (CZE) 13 Polsko (POL) 0
Tomorrow’s schedule:
9 a.m. Red cats (CZE) vs. Calita (RUS)
9 a.m. Joudrs MLK (CZE) vs. Ukraine (UKR)
9 a.m. Eagles Green (CZE) vs. London Mets (GBR)
11 a.m. Eagles White (CZE) vs. Serbia (SRB)
11 a.m. Joudrs STK (CZE) vs. Slovensko (SVK)
11 a.m. Storms (CZK) vs. Arrows Ostrava (CZE)
1 p.m. Sabat Praha (CZK) vs. Polsko (POL)
1 p.m. SK HSM (CZK) vs. Flames (LTU)
Photos courtesy of Jan Bagin, PONY European Zone Director:
Day 3:
Competition heated up during day three play at the 2017 SUMA PONY European Zone Championships in Prague, Czech Republic. Stealing the show in both the Pony 14U and Colt 16U baseball divisions was Holland’s two A teams, as they punched their tickets to the title games. In the Colt 16U girls softball division, three teams stayed undefeated; thus, keeping their title hopes alive for Sunday’s championship round.
Follow all the excitement tomorrow as PONY baseball and softball action continues at 2 a.m. ET/US, 8 a.m. local time in Prague. For links to game scores, game schedules and electronic scoring gamecasts, go here. Also Like PONY Baseball and Softball and SUMA Pony League on Facebook, @PONYbbsb on Twitter and ponybaseballsoftball on Instagram.
Pony 14U:
Recap:
The 2014 PONY European Zone Champions from the Czech Academy continued their quest to the Championship Game on day three, beginning the day with a 12-6 victory over fellow Czech team Draci Brno and then a one-sided victory over Kaunas (LTU) 20-0. Another undefeated squad, Holandsko A (NED) had to pull off some heroics to meet the Czech Academy. After a 16-2 victory over Polsko A (POL), Holandsko A was pitted against Prague (CZE), who boasted a 4-1 tournament record, after they shut out the Austrian Academy 15-0 to start the day and defeated Holandsko B 11-8 in their second matchup of the day. Prague led 7-6 going into the final inning, but Sam Brouns led off the inning with a double for the Dutch and his hit was followed up by another double by Tyriq Kemp. On an 0-1 count, Danny Albinus crushed another double, scoring both runners and ending the game with an 8-7 win for Holandsko A. Czech Academy will face first-time PONY affiliate Holandsko A in the Championship Game tomorrow at 6 p.m. local time Prague, 12 p.m. ET/US. The winner will advance to the Pony World Series in Washington, Pennsylvania this summer.
Scores:
8 a.m. Kaunas (LTU) 18 Polsko B (POL) 3
8 a.m. Prague (CZE) 15 Austrian Academy (AUT) 0
10 a.m. Czech Academy (CZE) 12 Draci Brno (CZE) 6
10 a.m. Prague (CZE) 11 Holandsko B (NED) 8
12 p.m. Kaunas (LTU) 11 Austrian Academy (AUT) 10
12 p.m. Holandsko A (NED) 16 Polsko A (POL) 2
2 p.m. Holandsko C (NED) 18 Brest Zubrs (BLR) 5
2 p.m. Moskvich (RUS) 28 London Mets (GBR) 3
4 p.m. Czech Academy (CZE) 20 Kaunas (LTU) 0
6 p.m. Polsko B (POL) 13 Ukraine (UKR) 7
6 p.m. Holandsko A (NED) 8 Prague (CZE) 7
Batting leaders by total bases:
Petr Vojta (Czech Academy, CZE) 12-for-16, 2 2B, 6 HR, 13 runs scored, 23 RBI, 4 BB, 4 SB (32 total bases)
David Bauer (Czech Academy, CZE) 11-for-14, 4 2B, HR, 10 runs scored, 6 RBI, 6 SB (18 total bases)
Pitching leaders by ERA (min. 5 IP):
Petr Vojta (Czech Academy, CZE) 2 W, 5 IP, 0.00 ERA, 0 hits allowed, 10 K
Jack Wagner (Holandsko B, NED) W, 6 IP, 2.33 ERA, 4 hits allowed, 8 K, 2 BB, HB
Anton Aliaksandrau (Kaunas, LTU) W, 5.1 IP, 2.63 ERA, 3 hits allowed, 8 K, 7 BB
Tomorrow’s schedule:
8 a.m. Draci Brno (CZE) vs. Austrian Academy (AUT)
8 a.m. Holandsko B (NED) vs. Polsko A (POL)
10 a.m. Ukraine (UKR) vs. Polsko B (POL)
12 p.m. Brest Zubrs (BLR) vs. London Mets (GBR)
12 p.m. Holandsko C (NED) vs. Moskvich (RUS)
2 p.m. Kaunas (LTU) vs. Prague (CZE)
4 p.m. (Championship Game) Czech Academy (CZE) vs. Holandsko A (NED)
Colt 16U:
Recap:
Like their counterparts in the Pony age division, it took two hard-fought victories for Holandsko A (NED) to advance to the Championship Game. Starting off their day against their fellow countrymen, Holandsko A shut out Holandsko B 6-0. Winning pitcher Nick Loos started off the day well on the mound, going four innings strong, while allowing just one hit and two walks, but striking out six. Jiorgeny Casimiri finished the game in relief and did not allow a hit or a run. In the final game of the day, Holandsko A knocked off the defending PONY European Zone Champions from the Czech Academy 6-3 to advance to the Championship Game. With the Czech Academy loss, it opened up the door for the Frenchmen from the Bordeaux Academy, who came on strong during day three after picking up two valuable wins on day two. The Bordeaux Academy (FRA) started off the day with a 7-2 win over the previously undefeated Austrian Academy (AUT) and then the Frenchmen picked up another huge 6-2 victory over previously undefeated Holandsko C (NED). Those two wins propelled the Bordeaux Academy into the Championship Game tomorrow versus Holandsko A (NED) at 5 p.m. This game features a rematch from Game #5 on Friday in which Holandsko A (NED) shut out the Bordeaux Academy (FRA) 7-0. The winner advances to the Colt World Series in Lafayette, Indiana this summer.
Scores:
8 a.m. Swiss NT (CHE) 3 GUFK Minsk (BLR) 2
10 a.m. Czech Academy (CZE) 6 London Mets (GBR) 0
10 a.m. Bordeaux Academy (FRA) 7 Austrian Academy (AUT) 2
12 p.m. Holandsko A (NED) 6 Holandsko B (NED) 0
12 p.m. Holandsko C (NED) 10 Belgium Academy (BEL) 0
2 p.m. Brest Zubrs (BLR) 12 Alligators (SRB) 3
2 p.m. El Llano (ESP) 3 Serbia (SRB) 1
4 p.m. Austrian Academy (AUT) 13 Belgium Academy (BEL) 3
4 p.m. Bordeaux Academy (FRA) 6 Holandsko C (NED) 2
6 p.m. Holandsko B (NED) 6 London Mets (GBR) 1
6 p.m. Holandsko A (NED) 6 Czech Academy (CZE) 3
Batting leaders by total bases:
Marek Krejcirik (Czech Academy, CZE) 9-for-17, 3 2B, 3B, 11 runs scored, 8 RBI, 9 SB (14 total bases)
Denzel Bryson (Holandsko A, NED) 9-for-12, 3 2B, 3B, 8 runs scored, 7 RBI (14 total bases)
Pitching leaders by ERA (min. 5 IP):
Arij Franssen (Holandsko C, NED) W, 5 IP, 0.00 ERA, 3 hits allowed, 6 K
Gian Gardoni (Swiss NT, CHE) W, 5 IP, 0.00 ERA, 3 hits allowed, 9 K, BB, HB
David Mares (Czech Academy, CZE) W, 5 IP, 0.00 ERA, two hits allowed, HB
Tomorrow’s schedule:
9 a.m. Prague (CZE) vs. Swiss NT (CHE)
11 a.m. Alligators (SRB) vs. Serbia (SRB)
11 a.m. Brest Zubrs (BLR) vs. El Llano (ESP)
1 p.m. Belgium Academy (BEL) vs. London Mets (GBR)
1 p.m. Holandsko C (NED) vs. Czech Academy (CZE)
3 p.m. Austrian Academy (AUT) vs. Holandsko B (NED)
3 p.m. (Championship Game) Bordeaux Academy (FRA) vs. Holandsko A (NED)
Colt 16 U girls softball:
Recap:
On day two of play in the Colt 16U girls softball division, three teams continued their journey to the Championship Game after staying undefeated with two wins a piece. The Czech Red cats kicked off the day’s action with a 10-0 victory over previously undefeated Calita (RUS) and won their follow up contest 13-0 against Joudrs STK (CZE). After four games, the Red cats are outscoring their opponents 45-1. Ukraine continued its momentum from day one with an opening game 14-0 victory over Joudrs MLK (CZE) 14-0 on day two. The Ukrainians faced stiffer competition from Eagles White (CZE) in their second game, but they outlasted the Czech’s 3-2 to stay undefeated. Following suit was SK HSM, who 10-runned the Flames (LTU) 14-4, before defeating Arrows Ostrava (CZE) 3-2. The Red cats (CZE) will meet up with SK HSM (CZK) in a semifinal matchup at Noon, and with a win against Calita (RUS) also at Noon, Ukraine (UKR) can punch its ticket to the Championship Game versus the Red cats-SK HSM winner. Championship day action begins at 8 a.m., and the winner advances to the PONY East Zone World Series in Sterling, Virginia this summer.
Scores:
9 a.m. Red cats (CZE) 10 Calita (RUS) 0
9 a.m. Ukraine (UKR) 14 Joudrs MLK (CZE) 0
9 a.m. Eagles Green (CZE) 10 London Mets (GBR) 4
11 a.m. Eagles White (CZE) 10 Serbia (SRB) 8
11 a.m. Slovensko (SVK) 3 Joudrs STK (CZE) 2
11 a.m. Arrows Ostrava (CZE) 17 Storms (CZK) 2
1 p.m. Sabat Praha (CZK) 3 Polsko (POL) 0
1 p.m. SK HSM (CZK) 14 Flames (LTU) 4
3 p.m. Sabat Praha (CZK) 9 Flames (LTU) 0
3 p.m. Calita (RUS) 4 Slovensko (SVK) 3
3 p.m. Red cats (CZE) 13 Joudrs STK (CZE) 0
5 p.m. Storms (CZK) 13 Eagles Green (CZE) 3
5 p.m. Ukraine (UKR) 3 Eagles White (CZE) 2
5 p.m. SK HSM (CZK) 3 Arrows Ostrava (CZE) 2
Tomorrow’s schedule:
8 a.m. Polsko (POL) vs. Serbia (SRB)
8 a.m. Joudrs MLK (CZE) vs. London Mets (GBR)
8 a.m. Flames (LTU) vs. Eagles Green (CZE)
10 a.m. Slovensko (SVK) vs. Eagles White (CZE)
10 a.m. Joudrs STK (CZE) vs. Arrows Ostrava (CZE)
10 a.m. Sabat Praha (CZK) vs. Storms (CZK)
12 p.m. Calita (RUS) vs. Ukraine (UKR)
12 p.m. Red cats (CZE) vs. SK HSM (CZK)
4 p.m. (Championship Game)
Photos courtesy of PONY European Zone Director Jan Bagin:
Day 4:
Electricity was in the air during Championship day four at the SUMA PONY European Zone Championships in Prague, Czech Republic. With two teams in the Championship Games in the Pony 14U and Colt 16U baseball division, first-year PONY affiliate Holland looked to make its mark against a former PONY European Zone Champion and an underdog who advanced to the title matchup thanks to heroics on day three. In the Colt 16U girls softball division, three undefeated teams had their eyes on the ultimate prize of winning their first PONY European Zone Championship in the tournament’s five-year history.
Pony 14U:
Recap:
Following two highly competitive games in which Kaunas (LTU) and Holandsko B (NED) completed their respective tournament runs with wins and third and fifth-place finishes, the Pony 14U Championship Game featured the undefeated Czech Academy (CZE) against undefeated Holandsko A (NED). Behind starting pitcher Gio de-Graauw who pitched three solid innings of two-hit ball without allowing a run, Holandsko A built an 11-run lead, which included a five-run second inning. Guy van-Son replaced de-Graauw in the bottom of the fourth. Despite allowing two Czech runners to reach base, van-Son got Kralik Ondrej to ground out to third base, which clinched the Holandsko A 11-0 victory. As Pony 14U European Zone Champions, Holandsko A receives the PONY European Zone’s automatic bid to the Pony World Series this August in Washington, Pennsylvania. Despite the loss in the Championship Game, the Czech Academy proved it had sensational offensive firepower, led by Petr Vojta, who went 12-for-16 with two doubles, six home runs, 13 runs scored, 23 RBI, four walks and four stolen bases. His teammate Filip Ondrej was named the tournament’s Best Hitter, as he finished with a tournament-high 0.875 batting average. For his efforts on the mound in the Championship Game, Holandsko A’s Gio de-Grauuw was named the tournament’s Best Pitcher. Holandsko A’s Raydley Legito was named the tournament’s MVP, after he finished the tournament 9-for-12 at the plate with a double, triple, nine runs scored, seven clutch RBI and six stolen bases.
Scores:
8 a.m. Holandsko B (NED) 3 Polsko A (POL) 2
8 a.m. Austrian Academy (AUT) 8 Draci Brno (CZE) 6
10 a.m. Polsko B (POL) 18 Ukraine (UKR) 17
12 p.m. Holandsko C (NED) 7 Moskvich (RUS) 5
12 p.m. London Mets (GBR) 12 Brest Zubrs (BLR) 10
2 p.m. Kaunas (LTU) 4 Prague (CZE) 1
2 p.m. Draci Brno (CZE) 16 Polsko A (POL) 4
4 p.m. Holandsko B (NED) 11 Austrian Academy (AUT) 7
4 p.m. (Championship Game) Holandsko A (NED) 11 Czech Academy (CZE) 0
Tournament award winners:
Best Hitter: Filip Ondrej (Czech Academy, CZE) 7-for-8, 0.875 BA, 2B, HR, 11 runs scored, 5 RBI, 3 BB, 2 HBP, 5 SB
Best Pitcher: Gio de-Graauw (Holandsko A, NED) 2 W, 3 IP, 0.00 ERA, 0 hits allowed, 7 K
MVP: Raydley Legito (Holandsko A, NED) 9-for-12, 0.750 BA, 2B, 3B, 9 runs scored, 7 RBI, 2 BB, 6 SB
Final standings:
1. Holandsko A (NED)
2. Czech Academy (CZE)
3. Kaunas (LTU)
4. Prague (CZE)
5. Holandsko B (NED)
6. Austrian Academy (AUT)
7. Draci Brno (CZE)
8. Polsko A (POL)
9. Holandsko C (NED)
10. Moskvich (RUS)
11. London Mets (GBR)
12. Brest Zubrs (BLR)
13. Polsko B (POL)
14. Ukraine (UKR)
Colt 16U:
Recap:
To begin Championship day four action, fans witnessed three competitive early games, as Brest Zubrs (LTU), the London Mets (GBR) and Holandsko B (NED) capped off their respective tournaments with close wins. But all eyes were on the Championship matchup, as undefeated Holandsko A was pitted against the Bordeaux Academy (FRA), who advanced to the title game after knocking off then-undefeated Austrian Academy (AUT) and Holandsko C (NED) on day three. The game was scoreless heading into the bottom of the third inning, before Thomas Kwakernaak led off the inning with a single that would eventually lead to a six-run inning for the Dutch that included a Ruendrick Piternella two-run home run. After allowing one run in the top of the fourth to the French, Holandsko A recorded five runs in the bottom of the inning. Shuruengelo Mingeli’s RBI single clinched the final score of 11-1. As Colt European Zone Champions, Holandsko A advances to the Colt World Series this August in Lafayette, Indiana, as the representatives from PONY’s European Zone. The Czech Academy’s Martin Zelenka was named the tournament’s Best Hitter after recording the best batting average (0.833) among the qualifying hitters. Scott Prins of Holandsko A (NED) was named the tournament’s Best Pitcher. In four innings pitched, Prins won a game and recorded a 0.00 ERA, while not allowing a hit, striking out six and hitting two batters. Holandsko A’s Denzel Bryson was named the tournament MVP. Bryson went 9-for-12 at the plate. In five games, he recorded three doubles, a triple, eight runs scored, seven RBI and a walk. He also caught a runner stealing in the field.
Scores:
9 a.m. Swiss NT (CHE) 11 Prague (CZE) 4
11 a.m. Serbia (SRB) 16 Alligators (SRB) 0
11 a.m. Brest Zubrs (BLR) 5 El Llano (ESP) 4
1 p.m. London Mets (GBR) 9 Belgium Academy (BEL) 8
1 p.m. Czech Academy (CZE) 11 Holandsko C (NED) 0
3 p.m. Holandsko B (NED) 10 Austrian Academy (AUT) 7
3 p.m. (Championship Game) Holandsko A (NED) 11 Bordeaux Academy (FRA) 1
Tournament award winners:
Best Hitter: Martin Zelenka (Czech Academy, CZE) 10-for-12, 0.833 BA, 4 2B, 3B, 7 runs scored, 11 RBI, 3 BB, 2 HBP, 7 SB
Best Pitcher: Scott Prins (Holandsko A, NED) W, 4 IP, 0.00 ERA, 0 hits allowed, 6 K, 2 HB
Tournament MVP: Denzel Bryson (Holandsko A, NED) 9-for-12, 0.750 BA, 3 2B, 3B, 8 runs scored, 7 RBI, BB
Final standings:
1. Holandsko A (NED)
2. Bordeaux Academy (FRA)
3. Czech Academy (CZE)
4. Holandsko C (NED)
5. Holandsko B (NED)
6. Austrian Academy (AUT)
7. London Mets (GBR)
8. Belgium Academy (BEL)
9. Brest Zubrs (BLR)
10. El Llano (ESP)
11. Serbia (SRB)
12. Alligators (SRB)
13. Swiss NT (CHE)
14. Prague (CZE)
15. GUFK Minsk (BLR)
Colt 16 U girls softball:
Recap:
Heading into Championship day three play in the Colt 16U girls softball division, three undefeated teams had their eyes of advancing to the afternoon’s Championship Game. Third-place finishers from a year ago, the Czech Red cats secured one of those two positions in the title matchup after securing a 10-3 win over SK HSM (CZK). Unfortunately for another high finisher from 2016, undefeated Ukraine (UKR) fell 4-3 to Calita (RUS), which advanced the Russians to the Championship Game. The Red cats continued to play dominantly and won 10-0. Finishing as the tournament as the PONY European Zone Champions, the Red cats will receive a bid to the PONY East Zone Girls Softball World Series in Sterling, Virginia this July. Natalie Tvrnikova (Eagles White, CZE) won the tournament’s Best Hitter award, Anna Zoulova (Red cats, CZE) won the tournament’s Best Pitcher award and Eliska Slaninova (SK HSM, CZE) was named the tournament’s MVP.
Scores:
8 a.m. Polsko (POL) 9 Serbia (SRB) 4
8 a.m. London Mets (GBR) 18 Joudrs STK (CZE) 3
8 a.m. Eagles Green (CZE) 7 Flames (LTU) 0
10 a.m. Slovensko (SVK) 9 Eagles White (CZE) 6
10 a.m. Arrows Ostrava (CZE) 12 Joudrs STK (CZE) 3
10 a.m. Sabat Praha (CZK) 4 Storms (CZK) 2
12 p.m. Calita (RUS) 4 Ukraine (UKR) 3
12 p.m. Red cats (CZE) 10 SK HSM (CZK) 3
12 p.m. Serbia (SRB) 8 Joudrs MLK (CZE) 7
2 p.m. Arrows Ostrava (CZE) 8 Slovensko (SVK) 1
2 p.m. Eagles White (CZE) 11 Joudrs STK (CZE) 1
2 p.m. London Mets (GBR) 7 Polsko (POL) 0
4 p.m. SK HSM (CZK) 9 Ukraine (UKR) 0
4 p.m. (Championship Game) Red cats (CZE) 10 Calita (RUS) 0
Tournament award winners:
Best Hitter: Natalie Tvrnikova (Eagles White, CZE)
Best Pitcher: Anna Zoulova (Red cats, CZE)
MVP: Eliska Slaninova (SK HSM, CZE)
Final standings:
1. Red cats (CZE)
2. Calita (RUS)
3. SK HSM (CZE)
4. Ukraine (UKR)
5. Arrows Ostrava (CZE)
6. Slovensko (SVK)
7. Eagles White (CZE)
8. Joudrs STK (CZE)
9. Sabat Praha (CZE)
10. Storms (CZE)
11. Eagles Green (CZE)
12. Flames (LTU)
13. London Mets (GBR)
14. Polsko (POL)
15. Serbia (SRB)
16. Joudrs MLK (CZE)
Photos courtesy of PONY European Zone Director Jan Bagin:
