Mees Robberse hits 3-run homer as Netherlands beat South Africa 9-0

Mees Robberse hits 3-run homer as Netherlands beat South Africa 9-0
14/09/2022
Mees Robberse hit a three run homer in the top of the fourth to give the orange team a comfortable lead for the final innings.

The Netherlands clinched their third win of the WBSC U-18 Baseball World Cup Opening Round with a 9-0 victory against South Africa at Ed Smith Stadium. Mees Robberse hit a three run homer in the top of the fourth to give the orange team a comfortable lead for the final innings.

Bryce McCleland pitched well for South Africa, giving up only one run in the first three innings. However, in the fourth the starter left a pitch high in the zone for Robberse and the Dutch catcher sent it over the left field fence for a three run shot. The left-handed pitcher gave up only three hits in four innings, but issued six walks and hit two batters. 

The world No. 8 added two in the sixth with an RBI single by Alexander Albertus, and three in the seventh on a ground out, a sacrifice fly and a single by Gedionne Marlin.

For the Netherlands, Marshall Albertsz went four innings with one hit, no runs, no walks and seven strikeouts, and recorded the win. Ryan Hoogendoorn got the three-inning save, giving up one hit and three walks against four strikeouts.

The Netherlands, who had already qualified for the Super Round in third place in Group A before playing the game, finished with a 3-2 record, while South Africa, ranked 26th in the world, finished with 0-5.