Naples’ Kenny Pirches started the second game of a doubleheader against Vicenza on Saturday, April 20, 2024, and didn’t allow a run in three innings of work. (Kent Harris/Stars and Stripes)
VICENZA, Italy – Even if they were playing in the States, the Naples Wildcats might not get much attention from professional scouts.
Coach Jim Davis admits he probably doesn’t have a player who screams college-level talent at this point. But the two-time defending DODEA-Europe Division II/III champions also don’t have many weaknesses. And player after player — whether starters or reserves — all contribute to what has become one of the more successful sports programs in DODEA-Europe.
“I don’t have too many holes in my lineup,” Davis said after watching his team sweep Vicenza 10-2 and 15-0 on Saturday to remain unbeaten halfway through the regular season.
The Cougars, with only three starters back from a year ago, didn’t give the Wildcats a lot of scares as Naples won the first contest due to the allotted time expiring and the second due to the mercy rule. But Davis said last weekend’s sweep of Aviano did provide a couple much-needed close contests.
“I like the fact that Aviano put us on the ropes,” he said. He’s hoping the team’s final four opponents before the season-ending championships in May can do the same. That list includes Sigonella and Rota – the remaining two teams in the division the Wildcats haven’t played yet – Division I foe Wiesbaden and the Saints for the third matchup this season.
Naples’ pitching depth is likely to prove pivotal in the championships. Ella Grace, who got the victory in the first game by allowing two hits and an unearned run in three innings, and Kenny Pirches, who gave up only one hit and no runs over as many innings in the second game, are the team’s top two pitchers. But Davis said he has four more players who likely will handle at least some pitching duties in the championships.
Vicenza’s Roman McAlpine watches a pitch sail toward the plate Saturday, April 20, 2024, in a game against Naples at Vicenza’s Palladio stadium. (Kent Harris/Stars and Stripes)
Naples’ Matthew Butler slides into third ahead of the throw to Vicenza’s Jace Herron as Naples coach Jim Davis watches on Saturday, April 20, 2024. (Kent Harris/Stars and Stripes)
Naples’ Ella Grace throws towards home in the Wildcats’ 10-2 victory over Vicenza on Saturday, April 20, 2024. She allowed one run and two hits in three innings of work. (Kent Harris/Stars and Stripes)
Naples’ Brady Price sends the ball into play Saturday, April 20, 2024, in a game against the Vicenza Cougars. The Wildcats won both games to stay unbeaten. (Kent Harris/Stars and Stripes)
Vicenza’s Isaac Leon fouls off a pitch Saturday, April 20, 2024, in a game against Naples at Vicenza’s Palladio stadium. (Kent Harris/Stars and Stripes)
That kind of depth is something that Vicenza coach Kelly Stacy can only dream of.
“We’re still developing pitchers,” he said, adding two of the five pitchers on the mound Saturday for the Cougars essentially were making their debuts on the mound.
“But we are 100 percent better than the last time we played [Naples],” Stacy said.
The Wildcats had plenty of players contribute to their scoring in both contests Saturday. Christian Barnard and Matthew Butler each scored six times. Lucas Suszko drove in three runs in the second game.
The Cougars also helped with those runs, committing five errors in the first game and eight in the second.
Vicenza’s Logan Sistare came in in relief in the opener of a doubleheader against Naples on Saturday, April 20, 2024. (Kent Harris/Stars and Stripes)
Vicenza’s Logan Sistare dives back into second base Saturday, April 20, 2024, before Naples shortstop Ella Grace can apply the tag. (Kent Harris/Stars and Stripes)
Vicenza’s Jayden Steimle puts the ball into play Saturday, April 20, 2024, in a doubleheader against Naples. (Kent Harris/Stars and Stripes)
Naples third baseman Brady Price throws to first after fielding a grounder Saturday, April 20, 2024, in a game against the Vicenza Cougars. (Kent Harris/Stars and Stripes)
Vicenza shortstop Roman McAlpine can’t handle the throw, though Naples’ David Manus had already safely arrived at second on Saturday, April 20, 2024. (Kent Harris/Stars and Stripes)
