Women’s BWC: Aussies avoid Dutch Upset

14/08/2012

Australia’s Women’s Baseball National Team barely avoided an upset against the Netherlands, winning 13-11 in a thrilling slugfest at Telus Field in Edmonton, Canada on Monday afternoon. The team from Down Under came back from a 2-6 deficit, but nearly blew a 13-6 lead in the seventh en route to the victory. They are now 2-2 in the V IBAF Women’s Baseball World Cup and keep their chances intact to reach the semi-finals. The Netherlands dropped to 0-4, but showed an impressive offensive performance.

Australia’s Women’s Baseball National Team barely avoided an upset against the Netherlands, winning 13-11 in a thrilling slugfest at Telus Field in Edmonton, Canada on Monday afternoon. The team from Down Under came back from a 2-6 deficit, but nearly blew a 13-6 lead in the seventh en route to the victory. They are now 2-2 in the V IBAF Women’s Baseball World Cup and keep their chances intact to reach the semi-finals. The Netherlands dropped to 0-4, but showed an impressive offensive performance.

It was an exciting back and forth battle. The Dutch team answered a 2-0 lead by Australia with six runs in the second and third to get up in front for the first time in the tournament. The Aussies however remained calm and countered with two runs in the bottom of the third and three in the fourth to regain a 7-6 lead. Christina Kreppold tied the game on a wild pitch, an error brought home the seventh run.

When Australia added six runs in the sixth, two on a Katie Gaynor double, everybody thought the game was over. The Netherlands had other plans and started a rally, which ended just two runs short of the tie. Following a two-out, two-run single by Jessica Kroeskop to cut the deficit to 11-13, Maddison Lenard came in for Australia to end it with a four-pitch strikeout, stranding runners on first and second.

Still the Dutch team received much praise for their play after the contest. Kirsten Vierdag collected two hits and three RBI for the underdog from Europe. Lindy Boland, Letticia Lokken-Horstman and Amber Dammers scored twice. Shae Lillywhite and Christina Kreppold scored seven of the 13 Australian runs. Kreppold had three hits, two doubles and a triple. Katie Gaynor drove in four runs.

The two teams combined to use eight pitchers in the game. Dutch starter Maria van Veen issued two hits, two runs and three walks in 1 1/3 innings. She was opposed by Taylah Welch at the beginning of the game, who surrendered three hits, four runs and a base on balls in two innings. Both starting pitchers ended up with no-decisions. Lauren McGrath pitched 3 1/3 scoreless innings to earn the win. Loes Asmus was charged with the loss.