The Almere Magpies secured their spot in the 2011 Dutch Hoofdklasse after sweeping UVV in the promotion/relegation series last weekend. UVV had won the First Division this year, while the Magpies lost in the Hoofdklasse playdowns to Mr. Cocker HCAW and ADO.
In game one on Thursday Almere celebrated a 4-1 win over UVV thanks to a first-inning grand slam by Jurien Overman. Joep de Wit (W) and Scott Ronnenbergh (S) combined to allow just four hits in 4 2/3 innings of scoreless relief. Cameron Wheeler (L) took the loss, conceding three hits, four runs and three bb in seven innings. He struck out seven.
In game two the Magpies needed three runs in the top of the tenth to shut out UVV 3-0. Sten van den Bedem, Ewout Bos and Scott Ronnenbergh (W) didn’t give up a run in ten innings. Derek Tarapacki (L) had stifled Almere for the first nine innings, holding them even hitless in the first six-plus frames. However he was charged with the loss anyway after giving up three hits, three runs (1 ER) and five bb in 9 1/3 innings overall. He struck out 14.
In game three Almere completed the sweep with a 4-2 victory. Churandy la Cruz gave them the decisive 3-1 lead with a two-run homerun in the third. It was all they needed, as both offenses only were able to manage single runs afterwards. Rene Rijst (W) got the win after striking out three in three scoreless innings of relief. Hylke van Viersen (L) took the loss, issuing six hits, three runs and a walk in three frames.
Results:
Thursday, September 16:
Almere Magpies – UVV 4-1 Box score
Saturday, September 18:
UVV – Almere Magpies 0-3 (10) Box score
Sunday, September 19:
Almere Magpies – UVV 4-2 Box score
(Almere Magpies win Series 3-0)