Czech Republic, Denmark to represent Europe at WBSC U-18 Men’s Softball World Cup 2020 in Palmerston North, New Zealand

World No. 7 Czech Republic and No. 11 Denmark finished first and second respectively at the U-18 Men’s Softball European Qualifier and advanced to the first-ever WBSC U-18 Men’s Softball World Cup, to be held in Palmerston North, New Zealand, from 22 February to 1 March 2020. The Czech Republic earned its spot by winning the round robin, while Denmark had to defeat Israel, 7-3, to seal the second spot in the playoffs.

The Czech Republic went undefeated to win the double round robin played in Gezer, Israel, and became the third National Team qualified to next year’s World Cup. The Czech National Team defeated twice Denmark, Israel and Great Britain to clinch the first place.

Denmark finished the round robin at second place, with a 4-2 record, and advanced directly to the final game to decide the second qualified nation to Palmerston North. Israel and Great Britain, third and fourth after the round robin, faced each other in an elimination game, to remain alive in the hunt for the World Cup. Israel beat the British team, 8-1, in five innings.

In the final game of the event, Denmark beat host Israel, 7-3, and clinched the second European spot in the World Cup. Danish second baseman Magnus Kirsten scored the first run of the game in the bottom of the first inning. Israel scored twice in the second to take the lead, 2-1; but Denmark exploded with a five-run fifth inning to seal the win. In the top of the seventh, Ivri Margolin scored the last run of the tournament for Israel. William Melin pitched a one-hit ballgame and claimed the win for Denmark.

Denmark defeated Israel and advanced to the WBSC U-18 Men’s Softball World Cup

The Czech Republic and Denmark join Japan and Singapore as the four qualified teams for the WBSC U-18 Men’s Softball World Cup, to be held in New Zealand. Four more teams will qualify from the Americas in the U-18 Men’s Softball Pan American Games, to be held in Guatemala, from 1-10 November.

U-18 Men’s Softball European Qualifier final standings

1. Czech Republic
2. Denmark
3. Israel
4. Great Britain

Scores and stats

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