European Baseball Series 2017: Dutch lose indolent game vs Italy

In the first game of a series with nothing at stake but bragging rights, Italy outlasted the Kingdom of the Netherlands. In a game with very little going on, the Italians beat the Dutch 3-2 as they outhit them 9-5.

For the third time in the history of European Baseball, this European Baseball Series was played. This time all the games are played in Italy, probably because the weather is better over there at this time of the year.

After neither team had scored in the first three innings, both teams scored a run in the fourth on solo home runs. Batting leadoff in that inning, Kalian Sams drove the first pitch he saw over the left field fence. Also batting leadoff, Nicola Garbella cleared the right field fence with a 1-1 jack.

After giving up that solo home run, Dutch starting pitcher Kevin Heijstek was replaced in the bottom of the fifth inning by Maickel Rietel. After Rietel worked his way through the fifth inning without many problems, he got into trouble in the seventh. After retiring Alessandro Vaglio, he gave up a single to Nicola Garbella, who promptly stole second and advanced to third on a throwing error by catcher Rodney Daal. Three consecutive singles by Alex Sambucci, Alberto Mineo and Mattia Reginato drove in two runs to give Italy a 3-1 lead.

The Italian bullpen did a great job, keeping the Dutch lineup off balanced. Vomel Rivera, who replaced starter Alessandro Maestri in the sixth inning, threw two innings of one-hit ball. Ludovico Coveri struck out two in the eighth.

A bloop single to right field by Robel Garcia put the potential fourth run on base for the Italians in the bottom of the eighth inning. But the Dutch turned a 6-4 double play to get the two final outs of the inning. This double play was one of three double plays the Dutch would make.

After Kalian Sams doubled and advanced to third on a 4-3 groundout by Dwayne Kemp, the Dutch got runners on the corners when Nick Urbanus drew a walk. When Dudley Leonora singled to right field, the game became a bit more exciting as Kalian Sams scored and Nick Urbanus advanced to third. But a pop up hit by Linoy Croes was caught by Italian third baseman Robel Garcia for the final out of the game.

Maickel Rietel took the loss as he gave up two runs on four hits and struck out three in two innings of work. Alessandro Maestri earned the win after five innings in which he gave up one run on two hits and whiffed six batters. Mike Bolsenbroek pitched the final two innings for the Dutch and he kept the Italians in check rather well as he allowed only one hit.

Best hitter for the Italians was Nicola Garbella, who went 2 for 4 with a home run, a RBI and two runs scored.  The best hitter for the Dutch, Kalian Sams also went 2 for 4 with a home run and a RBI and two runs scored but he also hit a double.

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