2019 U-18 World Cup: Dutch clinch first victory
After a close loss vs Korea and a humiliating defeat by Canada, the Kingdom of the Netherlands clinched its first win today vs Nicaragua. Starting pitcher Luuk ter Beek dominated the Nicaraguan lineup in six innings of work and helped to step off the field with a 2-4 victory.
After Luuk ter Beek retired the Nicaraguan side in the first inning, Kansas City Royals farmhand gave the Dutch a 2-0 lead when he homered to deep right center field.
🇳🇱🇳🇱🇳🇱 💪 2-run HOME RUN Darryl Collins (@mlb @royals org) #U18WorldCup @HonkbalSoftbal pic.twitter.com/oJHiqN4sgw
— WBSC ⚾🥎 (@WBSC) September 1, 2019
A single by Leyton Castillo in the second inning cut the Dutch lead in half. In the fourth inning, the Dutch would add two more runs to their total. Singles by Max Kops, Leandro Anasagasti and Ryson Polonius (who laid down a perfect bunt) loaded the bases Tyriq Kemp singled home Max Kops and Darryl Collins drove in Leandro Anasagasti with a sac fly to right field.
In the meantime, Luuk ter Beek cruised through six innings in which he allowed one run on six hits and two walks as he struck out four for the win. His successor, Cal Maduro, pitched two innings and surrendered a run with two outs when he served up a pitch that ended for a double in left center field. Arij Franssen pitched the ninth for the save.
In the remainder of the game, the Dutch offense did not get past second base.
Three of the Dutch batters went 2 for 4: Tyriq Kemp, Max Kops and Ryson Polonius. Kops and Kemp both scored a run but only Kemp managed to drive in a run. 
So far, Nicaragua was unbeaten as they had won vs Australia and China. So today’s win was quite an accomplishment. Tomorrow, the Dutch will face China. By no means, they should underestimate this opponent but normally the Kingdom of the Netherlands must be able to clinch a win here.