In a matchup between two unbeaten teams in group A, Kingdom of the Netherlands took on Croatia. After a rough start in which the Dutch defense made two errors that led to two Croatian runs, the Dutch restored order and won 18-3.
After the shabby defense in the first inning, the Dutch bounced back and scored six runs in the second inning. Kendrick Delima led off the inning with a double down the left field line. Rachid Engelhardt and Jelle Blaauw drew consecutive walks to load the bases. Max Clarijs then singled to short to drive in Delima and Engelhardt to tie the game at two.
After Max Clarijs stole second, Nick Peels drew a walk to load the bases again. Selano Delassa came through big time as he hit a bases clearing triple to right center field.
The final run of that second inning was driven in by Ruar Verkerk, who hit a sac fly to left field.
Croatia got on the board one more time in the top of the third inning but then the Dutch really walked away as they scored three runs in the third, two runs in the fourth and one run in the sixth inning.
Five singles, a fielding error, a wild pitch, a walk and a groundout led to six more runs for team Kingdom of the Netherlands in the sixth inning, to end the game prematurely.
Tim Halderman settled down after that first inning and lasted five full frames in which he gave up three runs (one earned) on four hits and a walk for the win. Halderman also struck out six. Ismail Ross pitched a perfect sixth inning in which he struck out two.
The best hitter for team Kingdom of the Netherlands was Max Clarijs, who went 2 for 2 with two runs batted in and four runs scored.
Hitting result for team Kingdom of the Netherlands:
Delano Selassa: 2 for 4 with a triple, six RBI and two runs scored
Ruar Verkerk: 1 for 2 with four RBI and a run scored
Denzel Richardson: 1 for 5 with a RBI and a run scored
Max Draijer: 1 for 4 with a RBI and two runs scored
Kendrick Delima: 2 for 5 with a double, a RBI and two runs scored
Jelle Blaauw: 1 for 3 with two runs scored
Nick Peels: 1 for 1 with three runs scored
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