San Marino Baseball fell 3-2 at the Gianni Falchi at the end of a hard-fought contest that was only decided in the eighth inning. The Titans produced 11 hits against Bologna’s 5, but failed to capitalize on the chances they created and were ultimately punished by a home run from Liberatore. Ramos’s side now leads the series 2-1, with game 4 scheduled for Wednesday evening, again in Bologna.
San Marino got off to a fast start, taking an immediate lead thanks to Rifaela’s home run in the first inning. Fortitudo responded straight away in the second, capitalizing on some defensive lapses and walks conceded by Giulianelli to level the score at 1-1.
San Marino regained the lead in the fifth: Marlin opened with a double, Di Fabio advanced him with a successful bunt, and Guevara’s hit brought him home to make it 2-1. On the mound, meanwhile, Mendez kept Bologna’s offense in check, allowing just one hit over four innings. San Marino also had a chance to extend the lead in the sixth, loading the bases, but couldn’t bring anyone home.
A defensive error then allowed Bologna to tie the game in the seventh, completed by Celli’s sacrifice fly. The decisive turning point came in the bottom of the eighth: with two outs, Liberatore sent the ball over the left field fence to make it 3-2.
San Marino attempted one final push in the ninth. Marlin reached base and was advanced to second by Di Fabio’s bunt, but Bassani shut the door and secured the win for Fortitudo. The Titans are left to rue the many missed opportunities, despite an offensive output that was clearly superior to their opponents’.
