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Premier12, First Round, Pool A: Italy – Netherlands 1-16 (7)
Netherlands 051 234 1 16 17 0 Italy 100 000 0 1 4 3
Even though Italy actually led in the game, they were no match for the Netherlands in the highly anticipated matchup between the two European powerhouses at Dou-Liou Stadium at the Premier12. On Thursday the Dutch team overpowered the Squadra Azzurri for a 16-1 victory. It was their second win in three games, while Italy fell to 0-3 in the first round.
Shortly after starter Carlos Richetti had stranded two Dutch runners, Italy took a 1-0 lead in the first. Juan Carlos Infante scored on a two-run single by Mario Chiarini. But a couple of defensive miscues in the top of the second helped the Netherlands to score five runs and to decide things early. Andruw Jones came through with a two-run single during the rally.
The team of San Francisco Giants hitting coach Hensley Meulens didn’t stop there, as they continued to score until the ten-run mercy rule ended the contest after the seventh. Kalian Sams, Curt Smith and Dashenko Ricardo hit home runs. Sams went 2-for-2 with three walks and three RBI. Smith collected four hits and six RBI and was a triple shy of the cycle. Randolph Oduber had five hits in the game.
Meanwhile Italy managed just two more hits after the first. Dutch starter Rob Cordemans settled in after the rocky first and gave up just three hits, a run and two walks in five innings for the win. Berry van Driel and Mike Bolsenbroek followed him on the mound, getting their feet wet at the Premier12. Richetti lasted just 1 2/3 innings, issuing five hits, five unearned runs and four base on balls. He took the loss. Filippo Crepaldi, Gianny Fracchiolla, Yomel Rivera and Ludovico Coveri also pitched for Italy.
The next opponent for the Netherlands will be Puerto Rico on Saturday afternoon at Intercontinental Stadium in Taichung. Italy faces Canada in the evening at Dou-Liou Stadium. Friday is an off day for all teams.