Spain Team finised in 12th final position at this Pan European 2009 World Cup played in 7 European countries. Lead by Italian head manager Mauro Mazzoti, Spain started in Barcelona with a great victory against South Africa and good results against Cuba and Puerto Rico, reaching passing easily the second round played in The Netherlands.
There La Roja played at their best level ever, getting two wins against Venezuela (who ended 7th) and Great Brittain (2nd in Eurobaseball 2007). Good play was also shown in games against Nicaragua and the Netherlands. Team Spain almost touched glory at the last game –as explained- against South Korea: after having led the game (1-0), the Koreans scored one run in 7th and 8th inning.
However, general balance of the Tournament for Spain is highly positive, like many experts and fans had been commenting these days in Holland, Italy and all baseball around the world.
And the two individual awards for Paco Figueroa (in Baltimore Orioles organization: see our section “Follow Spanish players at Foreing Leagues") are another double reason to satisfaction and congratulation: Paco has been the top batter all the World Cup, with an amazing offensive numbers: 500 in batting average (17 hits at 34 AB, but also 10 runs, 1 double, triple and homerun); 8 runs batted in, a slugging average of 667, and 581 on base average (more than MVP star Justin Smoak!). Not enough? Well, Paco also earned the title of Most Stolen Bases at the WBC (4 SB in 5 attempts).
Congratulations to Paco, as well to all Spain players, technical staff and directive board !
OFFICIAL WEBSITE REMARKS FIGUEROAS’ TWINS PERFORMANCE AS WELL TEAM SPAIN:
SPAIN’S TWINS, ORIOLES PROSPECTS LED THE WAY: Spain went 3-7 in their 10 games, but made marked progress, as three of those were narrow losses to Puerto Rico (5-3), Cuba (5-4) and South Korea (2-1)…the twin brother combination of Orioles prospects Paco Figueroa (.500 1 HR 8 RBI 10 runs, four stolen bases) and Daniel Figueroa (.278, 9 runs) led Spain’s play. Padres prospect Eric Gonzalez went 2-0 with a 2.20 ERA in his three starts.
Soon, more info from Spain team (interviews, photos, analysis...)
