Both teams used the small ball when they got runners in scoring position, thus putting defences under pressure. Reliever Stijn Van der Schaaf earned the win pitching three scoreless innings.
The Netherlands came from behind to defeat Mexico, 7-4, and earn the win in the opening Super Round game to move to a 1-2 win-loss record.
Mexico, who are now 0-3, had success early in the game, manufacturing a few runs and taking the lead, but the Dutch struck back using the same strategy and prevailed.
Dutch starter Brandon Herbold struck out the world No. 4 side to get the game going, but Mexico got to him in the bottom of the second, building on a dropped ball in the outfield and making the most of a safety squeeze. Catcher Alberto Barriga bunted right on the foul line.
Mexico extended the lead to 3-0 in the third, but after that, failed to create scoring opportunities against reliever Stijn Van der Schaaf.
The Netherlands, ranked eighth in the world, got on the scoreboard in the bottom of the fourth when catcher Mees Robbersee doubled and then scored on a ground-out.
Rodriguez went to the showers in the bottom of the fifth, hit by a leadoff double by Alexander Albertus and a misplayed bunt by Ryan Hoogendoorn.
Reliever Angel Garza gave up the lead on a bunt by Jakey Josefa and a hard grounder to second by Kendrey Maduro.
The Netherlands opened the score in the bottom of the sixth. Darnell Collins doubled and reached third on a base hit by Alexander Albertus. Back-to-back bunts by Matis Crouwel and Ryan Hoogendoorn and a wild pitch extended the gap to 7-3.
In the top of the seventh, the Dutch gave the call to Bryon Rincones with the tying run stepping to the plate and one out.
Left-hander Brandon Herbold started for the Netherlands
Once the reached base, Mexico used strategy
Hit and run and bunts become successfull
Kendrey Maduro gets Alberto Barriga at second
Mexico gave the ball to Milwaukee Brewers prospect Manuel Rodriguez
Alexander Albertus went 2-for-3
Also Drnell Collins went 2-for-3
The Dutch got to Mexico's pitchers in the bottom of the fitfth
Jakey Josefa safe at second
The Netherlands used the small ball successfully
Stijn Van der Schaaf pitched three scoreless innings for the win
