2021 Belgian Gold Division: Extra Baseball in Belgium

Two weeks ago, the second game of the doubleheader between Brasschaat Braves and Borgerhout Squirrels was suspended due to darkness at a (handball) score of 12 -12 at the start of the seventh inning. Today the game was finished as a spot in the Belgian Series depended on it.

If the Borgerhout Squirrels would win, they would advance to the Belgian Series. If they would lose, they had to play an extra game against the Hoboken Pioneers for the remaining spot in the Belgian Series.

At the start of the seventh inning at 12.30, Eli Straw continued with what he had been doing two weeks ago: dominating the Squirrels lineup. In the remaining three innings, he allowed a hit per inning. One of those hits was a special one as Steven De Lannoy got his 1000th hit at the highest level of Belgian baseball. The Squirrels dugout emptied to congratulate him with this unique feat.

But despite these three singles, the Squirrels couldn’t claim today’s victory. The Brasschaat Braves on the other hand could as Alex Poesmans drew a walk and stole second base, from where he scored the game-winning run on Robin Roevens’ single to right field in the bottom of the seventh inning.

Brasschaat proved itself a good sport by winning the game. Since the club had clinched a spot in the Belgian Series already, it didn’t have to win. But first base coach Donald Vertommen stated to the Dutch Baseball Hangout that the Braves wanted to win. Of course that is a good thing. If the Braves had lost, (Pioneers) fans might have had their doubts about the Braves not fulfilling its duty.

Anyhow, tomorrow, the deciding game between Hoboken Pioneers and Borgerhout Squirrels for a spot in the Belgian Series will be played at the facility of the Squirrels. The game will start at 13.00 (1.00 PM).

Final Standings of the Gold Division:

#	Team	W	L	T	PCT	GB
1	Brasschaat Braves	9	1	0	.900	0,0
2	Hoboken Pioneers	7	3	0	.700	2,0
3	Borgerhout Squirrels	7	3	0	.700	2.0
4	Brussels Kangaroos	3	7	0	.300	6,0
4	Deurne Spartans	3	7	0	.300	6,0
6	Mont-Saint-Guibert Phoenix	1	8	0	.111	7.5

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