Another day, another loss. But the Dutch team clearly showed improvement compared to the game vs Venezuela. Eventually the Dutch lost 4-3 against a heavy favored Dominican team.
For five innings, Dutch starter, Tom de Blok pitched a gem, shutting out the Dominicans and allowing only three hits. But in the sixth inning, De Blok hit a snag. After two quick outs, he gave up a solo shot to Johan Mieses, followed by a double by Diego Goris. That was the signal for manager Meulens to replace him with Mike Groen. Unfortunately, Groen couldn’t stop the Dominican offense as he gave up a double that drove in two more runs.
It took the Dutch until the eighth inning to do something back. With two outs, the offense started to warm up. Sharlon Schoop singled to center, followed by a home run to left field, hit by Curt Smith.
A double by Denzel Richardson and a single by Dashenko Ricardo brought the Dutch next to the Dominican Republic in the top of the ninth. But eventually, the latter pushed for one more run when Sharlon Schoop committed an error on a bunt that allowed Ramón Torres to score from second base.
Jairo Asencio earned the win for the Dominican Republic. In 1.1 innings, he allowed one run on two hits and struck out one. Franklin van Gurp took the loss as he gave up the winning (unearned) run in the ninth.
Best hitter for the Dominican Republic was Ramón Torres, who went 3 for 3 with a double and two runs scored. Average wise, Curt Smit was the best hitter for the Kingdom of the Netherlands as he went 1 for 1 with a home run and two RBI.
Tomorrow, the Dutch will face Venezuela again in the game that will decide who will be the second team to advance to the final. Then it is do or die time for team Kingdom of the Netherlands.
Dutch Baseball Hangout 
You must be logged in to post a comment.