In a surprising final (who expected the Germans to make it?), the Dutch kind of cruised to the tournament victory. Sure it wasn’t a blow out score like in the round robin, but the Dutch win was never in danger.
The Netherlands 7 – 3 Germany
After a scoreless first inning, the Netherlands took a 2-0 lead in the second inning when Julian Rip hit a two-RBI triple to left center field for his third triple of the tournament. But the Germans cut the lead in half in the bottom of the second. Jayden Gonesh struggled a bit and gave up consecutive walks before Marco Cardoso singled home David Dinski on an infield single. In that same play, the third out was made when Josef Rosenthal tried to reach third base but was tagged out on a throw from the first baseman.
In the third, a sac fly by Yurdion Martie, a double by Tyriq Kemp and a single by Jeandro Tromp, drove in three runs to give the Dutch a comfortable lead.
The Dutch pitching was decent. Overall, the Dutch pitchers pitched well enough to keep the Germans at bay. Jayden Gonesh pitched 2.2 innings in which he gave up a run on two hits and two walks and struck out three. Raf Cocu replaced him in the third and pitched 1.1 innings in which he gave up a walk and struck out three. Jasper Elfrink lasted 2.2 innings and gave up two runs in the sixth. In his outing he allowed two hits and a walk and struck out four.
Leading 6-3 in the seventh inning, the Dutch loaded the bases with one out. Julian Rip hit a bouncer to the German shortstop who made the out at second and tried to make a double play, but Rip beat out the throw. On this play, Dave Janssen scored the Dutch’ seventh run.
Kevin Bakker took the mound in the bottom of the seventh and started with a walk and giving up a single up the middle. At that moment, it was pouring with rain. Bakker struck out Simon Bäumer, a batter with the posture of the classical slugger. The second out was made when Lou Helmig grounded towards Tyriq Kemp who threw the ball towards first base. With runners in scoring position and a full count, Kevin Bakker struck out Alexander Schmidt for the final out.
Even though the win was never really endangered, one has to tip his cap to the Germans who never gave up fighting. But this well balanced Dutch team was simply too good in this tournament. It was the only team that kept its unbeaten status.
Raf Cocu earned the win and Marcel Giraud took the loss after 1.1 innings in which he gave up two runs on one hit and three walks and struck out four.
Jeandro Tromp was the best hitter for the Netherlands as he went 3 for 4 with one RBI.
Julian Rip earned the honor of being the best hitter, Aaron de Groot of being the best pitcher. With a batting average of .500, seven hits and six RBI, Jeandro Tromp was named the tournament’s MVP.
Other results of today:
Bronze Medal Game
Italy 8 – 1 Great Britain
Ukraine 1 – 6 France
Czech Republic 12 – 1 Belgium
With no victories at all, Ukraine will relegate to the qualification rounds of the U23 championship.
Dutch Baseball Hangout 
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