Bentura’s three-run homer lifts Netherlands over Australia

The Netherlands used again the long ball and got back into the race for a spot in the super round with a 4-3 win against Australia. The second win by the Dutch came thanks to a three-run home run by first baseman Nathaniel Bentura. Australia made it a one-run game in the bottom of the ninth on a two-run shot by Conor Myles. Arij Fransen took the mound to get the last two outs, the final one on strikes.

Bentura stepped to the plate with one out and runners at the corner in the top of the fourth. Left fielder Darryl Collins had reached on a one-out double and centre fielder Ruendrick Piternella had singled him to third. Australia’s starter Liam Evans got ahead in the count with Bentura. The second pitch was a hanging breaking ball and the North Central Missouri College slugger was all over it. Bentura sent a moon shot well beyond the left-field wall.

🇳🇱🇳🇱🇳🇱 Netherlands’ 💪💪💪 Nathaniel Bentura 3-run HR #U18WorldCup @HonkbalSoftbal @teamausbaseball pic.twitter.com/fCsAIIOl46

— WBSC ⚾ #U18WorldCup (@WBSC) September 3, 2019

It was possibly the only mistake of a superb outing by Evans. The left-hander allowed only three more hits and struck out 10, without allowing a walk, in seven innings of work.

The Netherlands added a run in the top of the ninth, when designated hitter got to reliever Jack Lee with a single that took home Piternella (double, passed ball) from third.

The importance of the insurance run was well understood when right fielder Solomon Maguire homered off reliever Jiorgeny Casimiri with one on board.

Arij Fransen needed only ten pitches, eight for a strike, to seal the victory.