Holland Series 2018: Cordemans guides L&D Amsterdam Pirates to opening game win

A solid outing by veteran pitcher Rob Cordemans led to a convincing 8-2 victory over Curaçao Neptunus in game one of the 2018 Holland Series.

In the first inning, Curaçao Neptunus took an early 1-0 lead when Stijn van der Meer, who got on base on a single scored on a fielding error by third baseman Rashid Gerard.
But Pirates bounced back big time in the bottom of the first inning. With runners on first and second, Kalian Sams singled through the left side to drive in Nick Urbanus for the game-tying run. Kenny Berkenbosch’ single up the middle drove in Gilmer Lampe for the go-ahead run. A single to left center field, hit by Rashid Gerard, drove in Kalian Sams and Kenny Berkenbosch.

In the fourth inning, Neptunus inched closer on a solo home run by Gianison Boekhoudt. But from there the Neptunus offense was kept in check by Rob Cordemans and Jim Ploeger.

Kalian Sams had a very productive night, which he proved in the seventh inning. With Gilmer Lampe at second base, Sams singled to third base to drive in Lampe for Pirates’ third run. Sams scored on his turn when Kenny Berkenbosch singled down the right field line.

Another single by Kalian Sams drove in two more runs in the eighth inning to reach the final score.

Rob Cordemans earned the win as pitched 7.2 innings in which he needed 113 pitches to keep the Neptunus lineup in check rather well. He gave up two runs (one earned) on five hits and a walk and struck out six.

Diegomar Markwell took the loss. In 3.2 innings he gave up four runs on seven hits and four walks and struck out just one. Kevin Kelly kept Pirates in check for 2.1 innings in which he allowed one hit. His successor, Loek van Mil, clearly had an off night as he gave up four runs on five hits and two walks. Amsterdam Pirates