Korea win pitching duel with the Netherlands, make giant step towards Super Round
Four pitchers allowed a total of five hits, and both teams played masterful defence. Korea scored their lone run in the second on a two-out and bases-loaded hit batter.
Old fashioned baseball played by the book was on display at Ed Smith Stadium in Sarasota as Korea prevailed over the Netherlands at the end of a pitching duel masterfully backed up by both defences, 1-0.
Korea scored the game's lone run in the bottom of the second. Dutch starter Justin Morales got two quick outs, then allowed a base hit to third baseman Jaesang Kim. He loaded the bases on back-to-back walks and then hit center fielder Junyoung Jeon on a 1-2 count.
The Dutch had only two hits. Jackey Josefa singled off Junseo Hwang in the top of the first, and Kendrey Maduro hit safely against Youngcheol Yoon in the top of the seventh.
Their pitching was almost as good as Korea's. Morales allowed only three hits, despite struggling with control (six walks), and Gijs Van den Brink got the final two outs allowing only a walk.
Dutch catcher Jahzeel Groetelaers had a couple of runners caught stealing.
Korea will celebrate their spot in the Super Round if the US defeat Mexico in the night game.
Korea and the Netherlands are fighting for a spot in the super round
Junseo Hwang allowed only one hit over 3.1 innings
The Netherlands trying to reach third
Justin Morales started for the Netherlands
Korea had only three hits
Kim Jaesang scored the only run of the game in the second
Kendrey Maduro got one of two Dutch hits
The Netherlands tried to force the running game
It didn't prove easy to run on catcher Dongheon Kim
Youngcheol Yoon allowed one hit in 3.2 innings
Dutch catcher Jahzeel Groetelaers had two caught stealing