06/11/2023
The Tunnellers' Resilient Journey at ESF Masters
Radotínský SK - fastpitch softball
Alongside SC United Prague's triumphant run in the Men's European Softball Masters Cup, the Tunnellers, another Czech team, added their unique chapter to the tournament. Their journey was a blend of determination, fresh faces, and memorable moments.
The Tunnellers' roster featured both experienced players from past editions of the tournament and some new additions. Their Round Robin stage commenced with a challenging match against the defending champions from Denmark, which resulted in a 0-9 loss, setting a tough tone for their campaign. Their next encounter against Italy's Alpina was equally challenging, ending with a score of 2-14.
Nevertheless, the Tunnellers displayed resilience in their final Round Robin game against Mambas (Spain). Although they trailed 3-8 after four innings, a remarkable rally in the bottom of the fifth brought the game to a close 7-8, with the tying run left on base.
In the placement round, the Tunnellers faced Goya Team Rivas (Spain) and, despite their spirited effort, experienced a 6-16 loss. The tournament's last game saw the Tunnellers pitting themselves against Gubbs (Sweden). Notably, the team started Czech Hall of Famer Rostislav Hrych, who had recently returned from surgery. Hrych pitched two innings, allowing 7 hits with no earned runs, concluding the tournament with an impressive ERA of 0.00. Miroslav Egner took the mound to close the game, allowing three additional runs while striking out six. Players like Štýs and Egner went 2 for 4 in the game, while Jan Vlček, the team's batting leader, went 3 for 3, finishing the tournament with a remarkable batting average of 0.727, which made him the batting leader of the entire championship.
Energized by their memorable win, the Tunnellers brought a vibrant and supportive atmosphere to the gold medal game, contributing to the overall excitement and camaraderie of the tournament. Their journey embodied the spirit of competition and the joy of participating in the Men's European Softball Masters Cup, leaving a lasting impression on the event.