The Netherlands, Japan open Day 5 of the U-18 Baseball World Cup with wins
THUNDER BAY (Ontario), Canada-The Netherlands and Japan get started with wins against Mexico and South Africa in the last day of the qualifying tournament of the WBSC U-18 Baseball World Cup 2017
The Netherlands and Japan start with wins against Mexico and South Africa the last day of the consolation round of the WBSC U-18 Baseball World Cup 2017.
The Netherlands beat Mexico (4-0) to take an advantage in the consolation round, that will see them start with a 2-0 record. The Dutch played a perfect defense behind effective starter Christopher Koeiman, who went the distance and allowed only 5 hits and 2 walks over 8 innings, while striking out 7. Impressive running catches by left fielder Bryson and center fielder Juliana on deep flies by third baseman Manzanarez and right fielder Osorio, with The Netherlands leading 2-0, made a difference in the bottom of the seventh.
Mexico, that will start the consolation round with a 1-1 record, was plagued by 3 defensive errors.
Netherlands outfield trio: from left Tromp, Juliana, Bryson (James Mirabelli-WBSC)
The Netherlands get on the scoreboard in the top of the third, when Juliana doubles (with 2 outs) off Mexico starter Andres Garza and scores on another 2 base hit by star third baseman Sherten Apostel.
Bryson makes it 2-0 in the fifth as he is hit by pitch, advances on a sacrifice bunt by lead off rightfielder Tromp and scores on an error by shortstop Mendoza.
Designated hitter Koster gets on with an infield hit in the eigth, steals second, advances to third on a wild pitch and scores on an error by Manzanares.
The Dutch add an insurance run in the top of the ninth. Juliana leads off with a double and scores on a 2 out single by Koster.
Chris Koeiman went the distance for The Netherlands (James Mirabelli-WBSC)
Japan outscored (12-0) South Africa at the end of a 7 inning effort. South Africa (7 defensive errore) didn’t help themselves.
Samurai starter Miura gave no chance to South Africa, as he struck out 7 over 5 innings to earn the win.
Japan got on the scoreboard in the second without getting a hit. Their offense, sparked by a defensive error, broke the score open with a 6 run third at bat in which center fielder Maruyama both doubled and was the third out. First baseman Yasuda, first baseman Kiyomiya and second baseman Inoue (who had been the first out) also doubled. Samurai combined 10 hits.
South Africa was beaten by 7 defensive errors against South Africa (Christian J Stewart-WBSC)
