Pitcher Justin Alintoff led a fired-up Israel Baseball National Team to a dominating 9-1 victory over Switzerland on Wednesday, earning a berth in the quarterfinals of the 2025 European Championships in Rotterdam.
Alintoff overpowered Swiss batters en route to a complete-game victory – a growing rarity in today’s game, especially in a short tournament where every matchup is a must-win.
Alintoff, a 6-foot-2, 195-pound right-hander known for his pinpoint control and quick pace, started the game uncharacteristically by walking the first batter. Catcher Jason Agresti immediately picked him up by erasing the Swiss runner attempting to steal second, settling Alintoff down to retire the next two hitters.
First baseman Chase Engelhard sparked Israel’s offense in the bottom of the first with a leadoff single – the first of his four hits in a monstrous day at the plate. A force-out, walk, and hit batsman quickly loaded the bases for Nadav Machlin. In his first high-pressure at-bat, the 21-year-old Machlin, currently serving in the IDF as an Elite Athlete, coolly plated two runs with an RBI single.
The hit seemed to unravel Swiss starter Dominic Scheffler, a 21-year-old top prospect in the Cincinnati Reds organization. The 6-foot-4 Zurich native lost his composure and control, yielding two more walks and another hit batsman before leaving the game without recording another out. That allowed Engelhard, who made aliyah from Atlanta this year, to bat again in the opening frame – and he promptly greeted veteran Swiss reliever James Sanders with a line drive up the middle to make it 6-0, giving Alintoff a comfortable cushion that proved more than enough.
As in the first inning, Alintoff allowed the leadoff batter to reach base in both the second and third. But each time, second baseman Machlin and shortstop Benjamin Rosengard combined for slick double plays, allowing Alintoff to face the minimum. In the fourth, Alintoff registered an immaculate inning, striking out all three batters on nine pitches. He went on to record seven strikeouts while allowing just four hits.
With Alintoff on cruise control, Israel steadily extended its lead. The only remaining drama centered on whether he could finish the complete game. Having reached the seventh inning without allowing a runner past first base, Alintoff’s shutout bid ended in the eighth when a groundout plated a Swiss run. Frustrated, he launched his glove skyward. But he showed his bulldog nature again in the ninth when the leadoff batter lined a shot off his back. Alintoff retrieved the ball himself, fired to first for the out, and firmly waved off his teammates as if to say, “Save your arms for tomorrow.”
"Today was Alintoff’s show"
“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. Today we proved we deserve to reach the quarterfinals, and our boys have the talent and desire to keep going.”
Israel will face the Czech Republic on Thursday at 2 p.m. local time (3 p.m. in Israel), followed hopefully by the semifinals on Friday and the championship on Saturday.
“This win is a big step forward for baseball in Israel,” said Team Israel General Manager David Friesem. “Making the quarterfinals shows the progress of the sport back home, and we’re ready to build on that momentum against the Czech Republic.”
Engelhard, who received his Israeli citizenship between rocket attacks at the height of the current war, praised his teammates after his four-hit performance.
“Nadav [Machlin], Itai [Spinoza], Zev [Mor], and Assaf [Lowengard] all got key hits today. They’ve taught me what it means to be an Israeli and stand up against the odds.”
Alintoff, who openly shed tears of joy as he hugged his catcher after the final out, reflected on the deeper meaning of the victory.
“I’ve pitched in big games before, but today was special. I was pitching on behalf of my people. I want to dedicate this victory to those who are under attack in their homes, as well as those who are fighting to protect us even now – and, of course, to those who have lost their lives. I hope and pray that today’s game will usher in a better New Year, one in which we may see a swift return of our hostages.”