European Champions Cup 2018: Rimini eliminates L&D Amsterdam Pirates from semis

After the devastating loss vs the Rouen Huskies yesterday, L&D Amsterdam Pirates had to take on A.S.D. Rimini Pirates from Italy in the decisive game of group A. Even though it wasn’t a blowout like yesterday, L&D Amsterdam Pirates finished the game at the wrong side of the score as Rimini won 3-2.

In the first three innings, both starting pitchers kept the opponent in check very well but in the fourth inning, Rob Cordemans allowed two runs when Luis Ustariz homered to left field. In the next inning, Amsterdam Pirates cut Rimini’s lead in half when Max Clarijs drew a walk, advanced to second on a single by Victor Draijer and advanced to third on a throwing error with a pickoff attempt. When Remco Draijer hit into a force out at second base, Max Clarijs scored the first run for Amsterdam.

A balk in the eighth inning by Jim Ploeger allowed Miquel Noguera to score from third base to give Rimini a 3-1 lead. With a runner at second and only one out in the eighth inning, Amsterdam Pirates had a good opportunity to get closer again. But Dutchie Kevin Kelly recorded the final two outs on strikeouts to deny Pirates their second run.

In the bottom of the ninth, Rodney Daal hit a leadoff homer but in fact that homer was hit at the wrong moment as it gave Amsterdam Pirates only one run. The offense of Pirates stalled there as Kevin Kelly retired the next three batters and thus secured a semi-final spot for the Italians.

Logan Duran earned the win. In seven innings, he gave up one run on five hits and three walks and fanned nine. Rob Cordemans took the loss. In 6.2 innings Cordemans allowed two runs on six hits and a walk as he struck out six. Kevin Kelly earned the save for Rimini.

Thanks to this win, Rimini finishes in first place of group A as they beat runner-up Rouen in the first game of group A on Wednesday.

Tomorrow L&D Amsterdam Pirates will face Draci Brno in the game for the fifth place.