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Israel Baseball National Team pitcher Justin Alintoff starred in a commanding 9-1 victory over Switzerland on Wednesday, earning the team a spot in the quarterfinals of the 2025 European Championships in Rotterdam.
Alintoff, a 6-foot-2, 195-pound right-hander, recorded a complete-game performance with seven strikeouts, allowing only four hits. The veteran pitcher overcame an early walk in the first inning, with catcher Jason Agresti eliminating the Swiss runner attempting to steal second.
First baseman Chase Engelhard set the tone offensively with a leadoff single in the bottom of the first. Following a force-out, walk, and hit batsman, 21-year-old Nadav Machlin, serving in the IDF as an Elite Athlete, delivered a two-RBI single, giving Israel a 2-0 lead.
Switzerland starter Dominic Scheffler, a 21-year-old Cincinnati Reds prospect, struggled under pressure, issuing two walks and hitting a batter before being replaced. Engelhard returned to the plate in the first inning to hit a line drive up the middle, extending Israel’s lead to 6-0.
Alintoff faced minimal threats over the next innings thanks to standout defensive plays. Machlin and shortstop Benjamin Rosengard combined for double plays in the second and third innings, allowing Alintoff to face the minimum. The fourth inning featured an immaculate inning, as Alintoff struck out all three batters on nine pitches.
Despite allowing a lone run in the eighth inning, Alintoff maintained control and completed the game, showcasing his bulldog determination. In the ninth, he fielded a hard-hit ball off his back and recorded the out himself, emphasizing his leadership and composure.
“Today was Alintoff’s show,” said Israel manager Nate Fish. “But everyone rose to the occasion with an offense that put the game out of reach early and outstanding defense that gave Justin four ‘free’ outs.”
Israel now advances to face the Czech Republic on Thursday at 2 p.m. local time (3 p.m. in Israel), aiming to continue its momentum into the semifinals and championship.
Team Israel General Manager David Friesem highlighted the significance of the victory, stating, “Making the quarterfinals shows the progress of the sport back home, and we’re ready to build on that momentum.”
Engelhard, who received Israeli citizenship amid ongoing conflict, praised his teammates after collecting four hits. “Nadav, Itai, Zev, and Assaf all got key hits today. They’ve taught me what it means to be an Israeli and stand up against the odds.”
Alintoff, emotional after the final out, reflected on the broader significance: “I was pitching on behalf of my people… I hope and pray that today’s game will usher in a better New Year, one with a swift return of our hostages.”
This victory reinforces Israel’s growing presence in European baseball and sets the stage for a promising run in the 2025 European Championships.