11 July 2003

Russia 4, Great Britain 1

StewartIn the opening game of the 2003 European baseball championships on 11 July, Russia beat Great Britain 4-1 in Haarlem.

Buccaneer Ryan Stewart came into the game in the bottom of the ninth inning as a pinch runner, and scored Britain’s only run on an RBI by Josh Chetwynd.

David Donaldson collected a pinch-hit double, and left-fielder Darren Heath singled and drew a walk. Alex Smith took the loss.

In other games played in Group 2 on 11 July, Spain beat Greece, 1-0, and Italy beat Germany, 10-2. In Group 1, the Netherlands beat Belgium, 7-0; France beat Croatia, 4-0, and the Czech Republic beat Sweden 1-0.

Great Britain face Italy on 12 July in Rotterdam.