JEWISH BASEBALL NEWS — Team Israel defeated Georgia 11-1 on Tuesday (7/26/2011) in a qualifying tournament for the 2012 European Championship.

Israeli hurler Shlomo Lipetz, 32, was dominant, giving up just three hits and one unearned run over 7 innings while chalking up 9 strikeouts and no walks (see box score). Three teammates drove in 2 runs apiece to seal the victory.

Surprisingly, Team Israel managed only 5 hits in the game. But they also drew 16 walks and stole 11 bases in twelve attempts.

Tuesday’s games marked the opening of a four-day qualifying tournament in Israel, the first one ever held in that country and one of five such tournaments taking place simultaneously around the globe. The Israel-Georgia game drew 857 fans.

Israel’s game today (7/27/2011) against Great Britain begins at 12:30pm EST and will be broadcast in English via the Internet. To listen in, visit the Israel Association of Baseball website and click on “Audio Web Cast Live” under European Qualifiers

Israel will play Lithuania on Thursday (7/28/2011). Playoff games take place Friday.

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