Oosting’s homer, Wissing clutch hit give Netherlands first win of the tournament
For the Netherlands, Marjolein Merkx grabbed the win, after pitching the first four innings of play. She struck out seven, while allowing two hits and one walk.
World No. 10 Netherlands earned today their first win of the competition, in a narrow 3-2 win over No. 12 Spain to open Day 3 of the Women’s Softball World Cup Group B. Dinet Oosting homered in the first inning while Laura Wissink hit a key two-run single for the Orange team.
After a short rain delay, in the bottom of the first inning Oosting bombed a pitch high in the zone from Spain’s starter Beatriz Alonso over the left field fence that landed on the roof of the stands.
In the sixth frame, Wissink hit a clutch two-out, two-run single to center field to give the Netherlands a three run lead. Oosting and Jessie Van Aalst scored the runs after reaching on a pair of walks.
The two insurance runs proved critical for the Netherlands, as Spain tried to mount a comeback in the seventh, taking advantage of a pair defensive errors. Yulan Denia singled to lead off the inning, and Maria Caicoya grounded to shortstop, reaching base after a bad throw from Britt Vonk. Both advanced on a passed ball, and scored on a throwing error by third baseman Damishah Charles.
With the potential tying run on base, Sorangel Ledesma hit a soft grounder to third base, Charles fielded the ball and fired to first base for the out 21.
For the Netherlands, Marjolein Merkx grabbed the win, after pitching the first four innings of play. She struck out seven, while allowing two hits and one walk. Lisa Hop retired the last six outs, with five Ks two hits and two runs (one earned).
Tha losing pitcher was Beatriz Alonso, who lasted 4.1 innings while giving up four hits and one run.
