Haarlemse Honkbalweek Day 2 July 10:
USA – Japan 2-4
JPN 101 000 200 4 7 0 USA 001 010 000 2 6 4
Japan picked up its first win of the tournament in the morning game, as they beat the American squad 4-2. Two runs in the top of the seventh, one on a RBI fielder’s choice by Kazuki Murai and one on an error, decided the outcome. The USA had erased an early 0-2 deficit, but couldn’t answer a second time. Tatsuya Masuda (JPN) allowed five hits, two runs and a walk in five innings. Derek Cone (USA) issued four hits, two runs (1 ER) and two bb in also five frames. Yusuke Matsubayashi (W) received the win, Cody Scott (L) the loss. Naoki Shirahama closed it out with 2 2/3 innings of scoreless relief and was named player of the match.
Netherlands – Taiwan 1-0
TPE 000 000 000 0 4 1 NED 000 000 001 1 4 2
3,900 people in the stands at the Pim Mulier Stadium saw a thrilling pitcher’s duel between the Netherlands and Japan in the afternoon game on Saturday. Bryan Engelhardt was responsible for the lone run of the game, when he hit a walk-off homerun with one out in the bottom of the ninth. Before the spectacular ending both pitching staffs dominated. Diegomar Markwell (NED) began and allowed just one hit in five innings, facing just the minimum 15 batters. Afterwards Nick Stuifbergen, Dave Draijer and Arshwin Asjes (W) continued to keep the scoreboard clean. Wen Yang Liao (TPE) gave up three hits and a pair of walks in seven scoreless innings. Chen Hua Lin (L) took the loss.
Venezuela not coming to Haarlemse Honkbalweek after all
Since a few days we heard several news messages that the trip by the Venezuelan team to Haarlem was delayed. On Saturday evening the organizers of the Haarlemse Honkbalweek had to announce that the South American isn’t coming after all. Apparently Venezuela was still in Caracas on Saturday and was facing some visa problems. Additionally they are going to play in a tournament in Puerto Rico after Haarlem, which probably led to the problems. The organizers were very disappointed that Venezuela is not coming and they rearranged the schedule. HHW President Frits Mulder also will make a statement during a radio show on Sunday morning.
Schedule Day 3:
July 11:
- 11:30 USA – Cuba
- 16:00 Japan – Netherlands
