Bonn Capitals – Curaçao Neptunus
In the first four innings, everything went Bonn’s way completely as the Germans scored four runs. But in the fifth, their pitching collapsed and Neptunus took advantage in the biggest possible way as it scored eight runs to turn the tables in just one inning.
Back-to-back solo home runs by Wilson Lee and Christopher Goebel gave the Capitals a 2-0 lead in the first inning. In the fourth, starting pitcher Elton Koeiman would give up two more runs as the Capitals singled twice, doubled and also scored on a passed ball. So until that fifth inning there did not seem to be any problem for Bonn. In the bottom of the fifth, their starting pitcher, Lee Wilson started with recording an out but then had trouble finding the strike zone as he gave up two consecutive walks. From that moment on, Neptunus’ batters got a grip on his pitches and jumped on him as Dwayne Kemp doubled to left-center field to drive in two runs, followed by a single by Gianison Boekhoudt and a sac fly by Dudley Leonora that drove him in for the third run. Four more singles, a muffed throw, a double, a fielding error and a passed ball allowed the reigning Dutch champion to score five more runs.
In the sixth and the seventh, Neptunus scored five additional runs to end the game prematurely in seven innings due to the mercy rule.
Brendan Schoemaker earned the win after 3.2 innings of work in relief. He allowed two hits, walked one and struck out six. Wilson Lee lasted 4.2 innings as he was tabbed with the loss. He gave up six runs (five earned) on six hits and as many walks and struck out three.
Dudley Leonora was the best hitter for Neptunus as he went 3 for 3 with two RBI and two runs scored. Despite the offensive outburst, Neptunus did not hit any home runs or triples. The only extra base hits they got were three doubles.