20/10/2018 2 Minute Read

Bryan Perez gets first hit, last out, helps Colombia beat The Netherlands

It looked like an easy night for Colombia and indeed it was until starter Sanmartin remained in the game. It actually ended with the potential tying run at bat and second baseman Perez needed some effort to manufacture the third out

Colombia got started with a win, 9-5, against The Netherlands in the WBSC U-23 Baseball World Cup. The hosts took the lead behind dominant starter Reiver Sanmartin, but had struggles as the ball went to the bullpen. Oakland A’s prospect Bryan Perez scored the first run and got the last out to get his team out of a ninth inning bases loaded jam.

Colombia wasted no time in getting to Dutch starter Kaj Timmermans. Second baseman Bryan Perez and center fielder Carlos Vidal hit back to back triples and gave Colombia and early lead. A defensive error and an infield hit extended the lead to 3-0.

Errors spoiled the chances of the the Dutch. The Netherlands committed six, including the two by shortstop Martina that helped the hosts extend their lead to 5-0 in the bottom of the fourth. Timmermans, despite some early control struggles, had managed to keep the score close until that point.

Colombia’s starter Reiver San Martin dominated The Netherlands with a blistering fastball. The left hander, a top prospect in the Yankees organization, allowed only two hits over 5 innings. He left after allowing one run in the top of the sixth on a base hit by Francinel Martina.

Colombia’s dominant starter Reiver San Martin

Designated hitter Jhon Torres brought back a five-run lead for Colombia with a solo home run off reliever Colin Van Laar in the bottom of the seventh.

Martina made it more interesting in the top of the eight when he got to reliever Kevin Escorcia with a three-run home run and forced Colombia to make another call to the bull pen. Jose Puertas took care of five of the final six outs of the night. allowing one more run. He thought he had got the sixth on a grounder by Martina and so thought first base umpire Elvin Jimenez. But The Netherlands challenged the call and got it reversed through instant replay. Puertas walked the bases loaded and went to the showers.

Colombia handed the ball to righthander Jhon Romero. The game ended on a strong throw to first by second baseman Bryan Perez on a deep chopper by Ruar Verkerk.