2023 Holland Series: Neptunus Cuts Pirates’ Lead in Half
In the third game of the Holland Series, Neptunus clinched a comeback-from-behind victory against Pirates. In a game that was paused for about forty minutes, the Rotterdam based team beat their opponent in Amsterdam 8-4.
Curaçao Neptunus 8 – 4 Amsterdam Pirates
Once again, it was proven that the saying “It ain’t over ’till it’s over” is true. Both in the game and the series, Curaçao Neptunus proved that it is never too late. Neptunus overcame a comfortable 4-0 Pirates lead and cut their lead in the Holland Series in half.
In the second inning, Amsterdam Pirates took a 1-0 lead when Kenny Berkenbosch scored from third base on a sac bunt, laid down by Jason Jacobus. One inning later, Pirates added three runs thanks to a single by Oliver van der Wijst and a triple by Kenny Berkenbosch.
In the fourth inning, the game was paused for about forty minutes thanks to a protest, filed by Neptunus. Normally, the game will proceed, and if the protest is sustained, the game must be played all over again. In this case, the KNBSB wanted to avoid that and therefore the technical commission took its time to look at the protest in order to keep the game going instead of needing a re-play. In that fourth inning, Neptunus got on the board when Tony Krueger singled home two runs.
From that moment on, Neptunus caught fire, likely because their manager was tossed as well. In the top of the sixth inning, Neptunus started with a daring play when Christian Diaz laid down a bunt and drove in Makesiondon Juroney Kelkboom all the way from second base. Sheadion Jamanika then followed with a two-run dinger to turn the tables in the game. In the ninth, three more runs were scored by Neptunus to make it 8-4 for the final score.
Aaron de Groot did a nice job on the mound. In a relief outing of 3.2 innings, he limited Pirates to one run on two hits and a walk, as he struck out two, to earn the win.
Scott Prins took the loss. In 5.2 innings, he allowed five runs on nine hits and a walk and struck out eight.
Christian Diaz was the best hitter for Curaçao Neptunus. He went 4 for 5 with two RBI and two runs scored.
If Pluvius won’t be the spoiler, the fourth game will be played in Rotterdam today.
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