Reflections from the World Cup

Stephan Rapaglia

“The team and country of Great Britain deserve to carry their heads held high” says Coach Rapaglia after strong performance against Cubans.

Haarlem, Netherlands, September 14

After a whirlwind 24 hours, the Great Britain baseball squad has had some time to reflect on its progress so far through the Baseball World Cup, currently being held in venues across Europe. In particular, thoughts are fresh on last night’s proud performance against the World #1, Cuba, in GB’s first game in the second round.

On Sunday evening – less than 24 hours since having its qualification for the second round confirmed and then flying from Zagreb to Amsterdam – Britain continued its tight pitching and defence from the Croatia victory the previous day and held the 25-time World Cup winners to three runs until the Cubans managed some insurance runs in the eighth inning. Cuba eventually ran out 6-0 winners.

Full game report

While GB struggled to deal with the Cuban pitcher, Freddy Alvarez, who gave up just two hits in a complete game performance, “it was Great Britain’s defence and pitching that characterised this impressive performance” said catcher Will Lintern.

Supported by a solid defensive line up Stephen Spragg left the game after three innings having given up just three runs to a lineup filled with what Head Coach, Stephan Rapaglia, classed as “Major League All Star-calibre players”. Paul Waterman then came in to pitch in the fourth and managed to further upset the Cuban offence. With great command of both his change-up and fastball Waterman was able to keep the Cubans off balance and scoreless for a further four innings.

Though the squad was disappointed to eventually lose the game after such a battle, it gained belief from the performance against what Lintern believes is likely “the best team the country has ever faced”.

Outfielder Bradley Marcelino, a long-standing member of the GB team summed up the progress he has seen the team make over the last ten years. “To put things in perspective, ten years ago at the 1999 European Championships we were beaten 27-0 by Holland; today this team competed with Cuba”.

“We played very good baseball against Cuba, a team that has Major League All Star-calibre players and is capable of beating any Major League team. Our pitchers threw an amazing game and we played solid defence behind them. For this reason the team and country of Great Britain deserve to carry their heads held high.”

Coach Rapaglia

GB will face South Korea later on Monday, the last team to win a gold medal at the Olympics and silver medallists at the 2009 MLB World Baseball Classic. The game begins at 13:00 CET (12:00 BST) and is scheduled to be televised on Eurosport 2.

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