2026 Belgian Division One: Match of The Day (July 18)

In a near complete round, there was a surprising result in game two of the double header between the Merchtem Cats and the Brasschaat Braves. In a game where both teams collected as many hits, four erros by the Braves lead to two unearned runs.

Brasschaat Braves 4 – 6 Merchtem Cats

The number two in the standings won game one easily with twelve runs to one. But game two would be something different.

After Brasschaat took a 1-0 lead in the top of the first inning, Merchtem tied the game in the bottom of that frame and boldly took a 2-1 lead in the bottom of the second when Cedric Cooremans scored an unearned run as he has reached base on a fielding error.

In the top of the third, the Braves were close in tying the game. With runners on first and second and no outs, one would expect they could score at least one run. But the Cats retired the next two hitters before Christoff Peeters singled to left center field. Lars de Beule tried to score from second base but was thrown out 8-6-2; inning over.

In the bottom of the fifth, the Cats extended their lead with three runs. When the Cats had runners on first and second, they executed a double steal before Yens Rotthier singled to left field and drove in Owen van Doogenbroeck. With two outs, Leko Biesmans hit a bases clearing triple to right field.

In the bottom of the sixth, Merchtem scored an insurance run on a throwing error by the catcher. Eventually, this one run it appeared that this run wasn’t necessary as the Braves only scored three runs in the remainder of the game.

Kewan Braziel earned the win. In seven innings, he allowed two runs on seven hits and four walks as he struck out a whopping eleven hitters. Harry Deliyannis didn’t get the defensive support he needed today. Despite striking out twelve batters, he gave up six runs (four earned) on nine hits and two walks.

Yens Rotthier was the best hitter for the Cats today. He went 2 for 4 with two RBI and a run scored.

Other results:

Brasschaat Braves – Merchtem Cats; 12 – 1, 4 – 6
Deurne Spartans – Brussels Kangaroos; 5 – 13, 5 – 15
Hoboken Pioneers – Namur Angels; 9 – 2, 22 – 9
Phoenix Mont-Saint-Guibert – Borgerhout Squirrels; 9 – 19 (game two to be played tomorrow)


Standings:

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