TOKYO – No. 9 Netherlands defeated No. 41 Israel, 12-2, in the second round of the World Baseball Classic at the Tokyo Dome.
New York Yankees shortstop Didi Gregorius had a home run and 5 RBI, while Yakult Swallows’ Wladimir “Coco” Balentien had 3 hits and 3 RBI to help give the Netherlands an early 8-inning victory.
It is the first loss in the World Baseball Classic for Israel, who had previously beaten the Netherlands, Europe’s top-ranked nation, in the opening round in Seoul, Korea.
Both Israel and the Netherlands are 1-1 in Group E and remain in the hunt to advance to the semi-finals in Los Angeles.
