U-18 World Cup 2019: Dutch beat Aussies thanks to late insurance run
What appeared to become a clear victory for the Kingdom of the Netherlands ended up in a narrow escape when the Dutch allowed two runs in the ninth to let Australia get closer from a 4-1 score to a 4-3 score. Eventually, Arij Fransen retired the final two batters for the save so the Dutch clinched their second win.
After a two-hour rain delay, the Dutch took on the ever competitive Australians. The Aussies had beaten Korea 1-0, so the Dutch were warned not to underestimate their opponent.
For three innings, the pitchers from both sides kept their opponent in check but in the fourth inning, the Dutch struck first thanks to a three-run home run by Nathaniel Bentura, who took Ruendrick Piternella (single) and Darryl Collins (double) with him.
🇳🇱🇳🇱🇳🇱 Netherlands' 💪💪💪 Nathaniel Bentura 3-run HR #U18WorldCup @HonkbalSoftbal @teamausbaseball pic.twitter.com/fCsAIIOl46
— WBSC ⚾🥎 (@WBSC) September 3, 2019
One inning later, Chris Stuart, who had dominated the Australians until then, gave up the first run to the opponent when Travis Bazzana hit into a force out at second base and drove in Byron Armstrong.
Both starting pitchers did a stellar job. Stuart lasted 5.2 innings in which he gave up a run on three hits and three walks and struck out three. His opponent on the mound, Liam Evans, allowed three runs on four hits and fanned ten in seven innings.
Only when Evans was pulled, the Dutch got on the board again. In the top of the ninth, Ruendrick Piternella led off with a double down the right field line and advanced to third on a passed ball. When Shane Quant singled to center field, Piternella could score, what appeared the much needed insurance run. The Dutch had a major opportunity to expand their lead when they loaded the bases, but failed in doing so as Jack Lee got out of the inning without further damage.
Jiorgeny who replaced Chris Stuart in the bottom of the fifth with two outs, got through the sixth, seventh and eighth inning without problems, started to struggle in the ninth. He allowed a two-run homer to Solomon McGuire, who hit the ball to clear the fence at left center field. As a result, manager Eric de Bruin replaced him with Arij Fransen who retired the final two batters with a flyout to left center field and a strikeout.
Chris Stuart earned the win for the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
Three Dutch batters went 2 for 4: Darryl Collins, Ruendrick Piternella and Nathaniel Bentura.
Tomorrow, the Dutch will play vs China. That game was rained out yesterday. If the Dutch win this match, they will advance to the Super Round, a feat they have never accomplished before.