Dutch hoofdklasse 2019, play downs: Storks pulls off surprising win vs Quick
A hard-fought victory for Silicon Storks this afternoon with a starring role for starting pitcher Jurrian Koks, who pitched 8.0 innings keeping Quick in check rather well. Storks walked off the field as a victor, beating Quick Amersfoort 3-1.
Silicon Storks took an early lead in the bottom of the first inning. Kevin Nieveld drew a walk, advanced to second on a groundout, advanced to third on Giovanny Perez’ single and scored when Luuk Visser hit into a force out at second base.
Only in the top of the sixth inning, Quick Amersfoort managed to get alongside. Until that time, Jurrian Koks limited the opponent to two hits. But in that sixth frame, Joran Berkhout singled to center field, stole second and scored on Denzel Brooks’ single to right field. Quick Amersfoort came close to tie the game when Bryan Engelhardt hit a very long ball that appeared to clear the fences but a fantastic catch by right fielder Joey Schmook prevented Quick from scoring multiple runs.
In the very same inning, Silicon Storks turned the tables. With runners in scoring position after a fielding error, Sergio Schoop singled through the left side on which Kevin Nieveld could score the go-ahead run. Giovanny Perez could score on a passed ball and put the final run of the game on the board.
Jurrian Koks was replaced after he gave up the leadoff single in the ninth inning. Kevin Nieveld took over on the mound and earned the save as he walked one and fanned one. Koks earned the win after eight innings and a
batter faced in the ninth. He gave up one run on five hits and two walks and struck out five.
This game was one the last ones in which umpire Henri van Heijningen was part of the umpiring crew. After twenty years he hangs up his umpiring equipment. Only a few more games during the Holland Serie to go
Due to this win, Silicon Storks managed to force a decisive fifth game which will be played at Quick Amersfoort tomorrow.
Here are some impressions of today’s only game in the Dutch hoofdklasse.
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