The Belgian First Division opened the 2010 season this weekend with three sets of two-game series. The Merchtem Cats beat the Namur Angels on Saturday 4-3 thanks to a two-out three-run rally in the fifth and behind twelve strikeouts from Reid Jackson in his Belgian debut. He pitched in NCAA Division III ball for the Suffolk University this year. You can also check out his blog at reid-jackson.com. Namur’s Shota Ichinoseki gave up four unearned runs to take the loss. The Angels came back on Sunday to win 13-2 in seven innings at home. Jerome Sana (grand slam) and Remi Gillet hit homeruns. Harold Gerard struck out five in five scoreless innings for the win.
The Port of Antwerp Greys started into the season with two wins and took over first place in the standings. They shut out the promoted K. Deurne Spartans 6-0 on Saturday and completed the sweep on Sunday with a 7-5 victory at home. The Mortsel Stars and the Brasschaat Braves played a pair of offensive oriented games. The Stars took an early 11-0 lead after the opening period on Saturday en route to a 21-16 win. Apparently a combined eleven homeruns were hit in the game. One day later the Braves had the better end in a 12-9 slugfest. Defending champion Hoboken Pioneers had the first weekend off.
{mrb-result:2010-04-10|2010-04-11|BE}
{mrb-standing:belgium-2010}
Photo: © Namur Angels