Eva Voortman pitches complete game, sends Netherlands to the repechage in Group B

World No. 10 Netherlands eliminated No. 28 Cuba in today’s win-or-go-home game, 2-1, and remain in contention for a spot in next year’s Finals. Eva Voortman pitched a complete-game gem for the European Champions, with 11 strikeouts and two walks, while giving up two hits and one run. She outdueled Cuban Yilian Tornes, who also went the distance.

The Netherlands scored their two runs of the game in the third inning. With a runner on first, Brenda Beers hit a blooper to the left field line that was misplayed by Leannelys Zayas, allowing Beers to reach third base in the play. A few pitches later, she scored on a sacrifice fly to right field by Dinet Oosting.

From that point, Tornes retired 12 batters in a row, keeping her team in the game. And Cuba scored in the bottom of the sixth, on a double by Yilian Rondon, who advanced to third on an error, with one out. However, Voortman retired the next two batters to defend the one-run lead.

In Cuba’s last at bat, Leannelys Zayas drew a leadoff walk, but again the Netherlands left-handed pitcher retired the next three batters to seal the win.

Tornes surrendered three hits and two runs in seven innings. She was charged with the loss.