Ebersohn hits South Africa’s first home run, but Netherlands win

South Africa’s Rowan Ebersohn hit the first homer of the tournament for his National Team, but South Africa still came short and will go winless to the consolation round of the U-23 Baseball World Cup. The Netherlands won, 7-3, and maintain a tiny hope of qualifying for the super round.

The Netherlands took the lead in the top of the third. South Africa starter Kieran Moore put a couple of runners on with back to back hit batters and the Dutch moved them with a sacrifice bunt by Francinel Martina. With two outs and the bases loaded, Tijmen Takke delivered a two RBI single.

The Netherlands scored one more run on Moore thanks to a base hit by pinch hitter Tommy Van de Sanden and added two runs in the top of the sixth on reliever Rowan Ebersohn, who allowed four walks.

South Africa made it more interesting in the bottom half of the frame. Tyler Smith tripled and Ebershon tried to help himself and the team as he homered off Kaj Timmermans and made it a two run game.

🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦 HOOOOOOOOOOOOME RUUUUUUUUUUUN!!!!!! 💪💪 Rowan Bersohn LIVE: 📺 https://t.co/jtWlSHJhCv #U23WorldCup pic.twitter.com/x2UMZPZfRR

— WBSC ⚾ #U23WorldCup (@WBSC) 24 ottobre 2018

In the bottom of the seventh, South Africa stranded a runner at third with just one out. After Ruan Simon tripled, Nicholas Eagles failed to execute a squeeze bunt and then struck out looking. Victor Ngoepe was the third out on a fly to right field.

South Africa would not have another chance. The Netherlands added a couple of insurance runs in the top of the eighth on a double by Swindly Lint.