Today, the Dutch U12 team took on Belgium, that lost in five innings to Italy yesterday. Against the Netherlands, Belgium neither did stand a chance as the Dutch needed four innings to beat Belgium 24-2. With this victory, the Dutch qualified for the semi-finals.
With two outs in the first inning, the Dutch managed to score nine runs. In the second 
inning, the Dutch would rub some more salt in Belgium’s wound as they scored seven, partially thanks to a triple by Tyrrel Mercado and a double by Otis Ward, yesterday’s winning pitcher.
No need to say that today’s game was a slugfest. Otis Ward (4 for 5), Tyrrel Collins, Tijn Fredrikse and Farlqimir Meriaan all hit a triple. Otis Ward also hit two doubles.
Winning pitcher for the Netherlands was Kimi Verkruijssen. He pitched two innings in which he gave up one run on one hit and a walk and struck out three. Joe Spurgeon took the loss. In less than an inning (0.2) he gave up seven runs (one earned (!)) on four hits and two walks.
Average-wise, Sander van der Meer was the best Dutch hitter as he went 2 for2 with an RBI and four runs scored.
Tomorrow, the Dutch will face reigning European champion Italy. The Azzurri beat 
France 13-2 today. Yesterday, they beat Belgium 14-4. First place is at stake in tomorrow’s game. The winner of this group will face the no. 2 of the other group of the tournament.
Dutch Baseball Hangout 