2000 European Cupwinners Cup

The 2000 European Cupwinners Cup was played in Grosseto, Italy. Dutch club Mr. Cocker HCAW beat tournament hosts Papalini Grosseto in the final to win their first European trophy. Jurriaan Lobbezoo fanned 13 in 8 2/3 IP for the victory, with Michiel van Kampen closing it out. Former minor leaguer Otis Green took the defeat, though he struck out 9 for Grosseto. Tournament MVP Jurjan Koenen's 3-run homer off Green in the 6th (after two disputed umpiring calls) was big for HCAW, while Luigi Carrozza and Stefano Cappuccini (a two-run dinger) went deep for Grosseto. The winning run scored in the 8th when Jeffrey Cranston stole home o na delayed double steal with Koenen.

The lead was short, however, as Stefano Cappuccini hit score-tying two-run homerun in the seventh. As both the pressure and suspence grew, HCAW got runners on first and third in the eigth. With two outs and a two-strike count on the batter, first base runner Koenen left with a delayed steal, getting into a rundown. Third base-runner Jeffrey Cranston ran towards home and beat the late throw to the catcher. But, as Yogi Berra metioned over and over, it ain't over till it's over. In the ninth, Carrozza walked, then Lobbezoo struckout the next two batters, before walking Cappuccini and giving way to closer Michiel van Kampen. He also walked a batter, loading up the bases. But he pitched himself out of the jam, striking out pinch-hitter Luca Bischeri, earning a save as the celebrations began.

Final

Mr. Cocker HCAW 4-3 Papalini Grosseto

Standings

1. Mr. Cocker HCAW (NED)
2. Papalini Grosseto (ITA)
3. Bonn Capitals (GER)
4. Storci Foods Collecchio (ITA)
5. Olimpija Karlovac (CRO)
6. Technika Brno (CZE)
7. Alby Stars (SWE)
8. Nagykanisza Ants (HUN)