NOTE: In the interest of time and keeping these articles manageable, not covering the 9-16 seeding games. I will also omit the 5-8 seeding games for teams that lose in the QF round.
The quarter finals featured three blowouts and one very memorable walk-off win, the first of the tournament. The big boys did the needful with both Spain and the Netherlands winning big. Great Britain was great again and the Germans pulled a rabbit out of the hat.
Spain 18 - 3 Sweden
It was a harsh comedown for Sweden, but ultimately still a successful tournament for the Scandinavian country that will look to use this tournament as a springboard for further growth. It got ugly early and a nine run fourth inning assured an early end to proceedings in a five inning mercy rule result. Orlando Rodriguez was not especially sharp through five innings, but he picked up a complete game win. Edgar Rondon drove in six from the nine hole in the order and Oscar Hernandez had 5 RBI in the win. For Sweden, Joel Johnson stole another base and wraps up with a 1.038 OPS. The pitching was overmatched unfortunately. Spain will face the Netherlands in the semis.
Netherlands 12 - 2 Israel
Hot Dutch bats show no sign of slowing down, mauling Alex Katz and D.J. Sharabi for six runs in the very first inning. Six more would end this game in eight. Sicnarf Loopstok cashed in two more runs to strengthen his tournament MVP case. His teammate Ray-Patrick Didder did likewise. Lars Huijer pitched six strong frames to earn the win. Juremi Profar and Delanno Selassa also drove in multiple runs in the win. Ben Rosengard had two more hits to finish a strong tournament and the ageless Shlomo Lipetz gave three good innings. Ryan Lavarnaway drove in Israel's only run. The Netherlands now face co-favorite Spain in the semis.
Great Britain 12 - 2 Czechia
The dream of a first European medal ended for the hosts today. The dream continues though for Europe's most improved team. Great Britain fell behind early, and then came on like a storm to seal a spot in the final four. A three run inning, a five spot, and a final four run salvo in the eighth sealed it. Harry Ford and Nick Ward each contributed 3 RBI as their legends continue to grow in Europe. The Mariners prospect (Ford) also stole a base. Shamoy Christopher also popped a homer and drove in three. Joseph King was spotless in the final 3.2 innings to get the win. Former major leaguer Eric Sogard homered for the Czechs but the pitching faltered today. The Brits face a surprising Germany in the semis. The Czechs will play in the 5-8 seeding bracket and can be proud of shattering tournament attendance records. It has still been a great year for Czech baseball.
Germany 6 - 5 France
Talk about coming back from the dead. Well, that's basically what the Germans did in this soap opera of a game. The Germans led 2-1 after seven only for France to score twice in both the eighth and ninth to make it 5-2. All good for France right? Well, not so fast. The Germans put up three in the ninth to tie it and then won it in the tenth to secure a date with Britain in the semis. Vincent Ahrens continued a fine tourney with three walks and a hit. (1.529 OPS for the tournament) Yannic Walther drove in a pair including the winner in the tenth and David Dinski came off the bench to snatch victory away from the French and send it to extras. Ernesto Martinez homered for France and a combo of Esteban Prioul and Quentin Moulin kept the Germans at bay until that fateful ninth inning. It's Germany and Great Britain in the semis. France to the 5-8 bracket.
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