2024 U12 European Championship: Dutch Beat Czech Republic to Advance to Finals

In a relatively close game, the Netherlands beat the Czech Republic 3-0 to advance to the finals. Despite one fielding error and one hit less than the Czechs collected, the Dutch stayed at the right side of the score.

The Dutch defense appeared to get through the first inning in a quick fashion as they recorded two quick outs. But then a bunt and a walk put runners on base for the Czech Republic. The Czechs even got to third base on a stolen bag but then a 4-3 groundout ended the Czech inning.

In the bottom of the same inning, the Dutch grabbed the sole opportunity they got to take the lead. Also the Dutch started with two quick outs, but then Marcelo Montenegro Espinoza connected for a home run to left field.

In the second inning, the Czechs got an opportunity to get on the board when they got a runner on second with only one out, but Stijn Delemarre, denied the Czechs their shot of tying the game by retiring the next two hitters; one on an infield fly to the shortstop and one on a strikeout.

Delemarre pitched a gem. He threw a complete game in which he allowed five hits and a walk and struck out a whopping twelve hitters.

In the fourth inning, two back-to-back solo shots by Marcelo Montenegro Espinoza (yes, he again) and Krijn van der Wens. But with no outs, the Dutch could not push through to score a few more runs, so the game stayed close. 

Stijn Delemarre earned the win. The best hitter for the Netherlands was Marcelo Montenegro Espinoza, who went 2 for 2 with two RBI and two runs scored. 

With this win, the Dutch did not only punched a ticket for the finals, they also earned a ticket for the U12 World Cup, next year in Taiwan. 

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