The Netherlands beat South Africa 11-1 in 4 innings in the last game of the first day of WBSC Softball Europe/Africa Qualifier in Utrecht, the Netherlands. The Dutch offense combined for 12 hits, including 5 doubles. Ilona Andringa got the win, Grivonna Rhoda the loss.
In the first inning, the Netherlands scored the first run of the game. Dinet Osting hit the RBI single off Grivonna Rhoda, the South Africa starting pitcher, after Britt Vonk had reached safe first base with a lead off single.
In the second, the Orange added 8 more runs. In this frame, the Netherlands got 6 hits, including 3 RBI double by Virginie Anneveld, two RBI single by Osting and an RBI double by Wies Ligtvoet.
One inning later, the Netherlands extended the lead to 11-0, thanks to 3 doubles by Vonk, Charles and Anneveld.
In the final inning, South Africa broke up Ilona Andringa’s perfect game. Wilmadi Bester bunted but the Dutch starting pitcher committed an error, throwing the ball to the outfield. So, the South African player could score the first point of the tournament for her country for the final 11-1.
Before the start of the game Jan van Zalen, the Mayor of Utrecht, threw the ceremonial first pitch, before the start of the game.
After the first day of games, the Netherlands and Great Britain lead the Group A with a 1-0 record. Tomorrow Great Britain will take on South Africa at 13.00, while the Netherlands will face Spain at 19.0
