European Cup in Paris, final game

As you may have read in my previous post, the grand finale of the European Cup won’t be an all Dutch game.

In a game where the runs didn’t come cheap but in which they came early, Bologna took a 2-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning.
With one out, Francesco Fuzzi drew a walk. Claudio Liverziani singled to right field and a fielding error by right fielder Linoy Croes made both runners advance an extra base. So with two runners in scoring position, Guillermo Rodriguez singled up through the middle to drive in both runners. These would be the only runs that Kevin Heijstek would allow. He pitched a complete game and needed 119 pitches to do so.
In the top of the second inning, L&D Amsterdam Pirates cut Bologna’s lead in half. A walk, drawn by Bas Nooij, followed by singles hit by Jesse Aussems and Rachid Gerard, loaded the bases. Bas Nooij eventually scored on a passed ball. Roelie Henrique drew another walk to load the bases again, but this time with one out. Unfortunately Pirates could not take advantage of the bases loaded situation as Michael Duursma grounded into a 5-3 double play.
In what must have been a nailbiter, the pitching of both sides kept the opponent in check rather well. Only Bologna had a runner at third in the third inning, but the Italians could not cash in.
Eventually L&D Amsterdam Pirates could not score the game tying run, so Marquis Fleming earned the win after six innings of work. For six innings of work, he needed many pitches:112. His biggest problem was the six walks he gave up next to the seven strikeouts. Kevin Heijstek pitched a hell of a game but had to accept the loss. Heijstek stuck out five and walked only two.
Best hitter for UnipolSai Bologna was Guillermo Rodriguez, who went 3 for 4 with two RBI.
Pirates managed to collect only three hits against the six of Bologna.

Bologna will take on Neptunus later this year to see who will become European champion. The winner of that game, has the right to represent Europe in the 2015 Asia Cup.