Netherlands, Panama open World Baseball Classic with wins
Dutch pitchers limited Cuba to three hits. Josh Palacios and Chadwick Tromp provided the go-ahead runs. "It feels great," said Dutch manager Hensley Meulens, "this win takes some weight off our backs." Panama used two big innings to outscore Chinese Taipei in front of a crowd of over 15,000.
The fifth World Baseball Classic opened in Taichung, Taiwan, with the first two games of Group A. World No. 7 Netherlands beat No. 8 Cuba in the morning game, while No. 12 Panama defeated No. 2 Chinese Taipei in the second game.
Six Dutch pitchers limited Cuba's offence to three hits as the Netherlands recorded their first win in the World Baseball Classic, 4-2. Eric Mendez pitched 1.1 innings for the win.
Cuba blew a big chance in the top of the first. Starter Tom de Blok loaded the bases on walks but got out of the jam when Cuba's catcher Lorenzo Quintana grounded into an inning-ending double play.
"We got only three hits. Obviously, we could have had better at-bats early in the game," commented Cuban manager Armando Johnson. "Still, tomorrow is another day. We need to focus on Italy now."
Netherlands' major leaguers provided the go-ahead runs against reliever Onelki Garcia in the bottom of the third. Washington Nationals' Josh Palacios hit an RBI single, and Atlanta Braves Chadwick Tromp followed with a two-RBI hit.
"I was a little sloppy with the pitch selection, but fortunately, I got something I could put my bat on. It turned out good for us," said Tromp at the end of the game. "Everybody in front of me did an excellent job of giving me a chance to produce those runs."
"It feels great," commented Netherlands manager Hensley Meulens. "Winning the first game takes some weight off your back and relaxes everybody. We know we have the talent. We had some great pitching today, despite six walks. We had 17 ground outs and showed our stellar defence."
World No. 12 Panama used two big innings, a five-run fourth and a six-run sixth, against eight pitchers and outscored No. 2 Chinese Taipei, 12-5, in the second and final game of the day. Former major leaguer Randall Delgado pitched 2.2 innings for the win.
The over 15,000 fans at the Taichung International Stadium enjoyed an emotional moment as Mariano Rivera, the best closer of all time, threw the ceremonial first pitch.
When asked how Panama could withstand the noise of the home crowd, manager Luis Ortiz said, "Block the outside noise by putting points on the board. After you score, that intensity is going to be gone."
Switch-hitting second baseman Jonathan Arauz had three RBIs. Designated hitter Erasmo Caballero, Panama's National League MVP, a WBSC U-23 Baseball World Cup alum, and first baseman Jadhiel Santamaria had two.
Five Panama hitters had a multi-hit game, including Arauz, Santamaria, MLB veterans Christian Bethancourt and Ruben Tejada, and right fielder Luis Castillo.
Chinese Taipei combined 13 hits, including a two-run home run by Nien-Ting Wu off reliever Wilfredo Pereira in the bottom of the seventh, the first of the tournament.
The hosts failed to produce runs, leaving 10 runners on base, including seven in scoring position. Panama's defence proved a factor.
On day 2, the Netherlands will face No. 12 Panama, while Cuba will play No. 15 Italy. Chinese Taipei will have a rest day on Thursday, 9 March, while Panama will play No. 7 Netherlands.
