DOOR Neptunus – T&A San Marino 7-3
DOOR Neptunus had a much better start into the 2011 European Cup in comparison to last year’s tournament in Rotterdam. The Dutch champion defeated T&A San Marino 7-3. Three runs in the bottom of the sixth, including two on a two-run homerun by Dwayne Kemp, broke a 3-3 tie en route to the victory. Jeffrey Arends went 3-for-4 with three runs and a RBI. Craig Anderson (W) got the win in relief of a solid Diegomar Markwell. Henry Bonilla (L) allowed six runs on nine hits in six innings for the loss.
Rouen Huskies – AVG Draci Brno 2-10
AVG Draci Brno dispatched the Rouen Huskies 10-2 in the afternoon game. Alexander Derhak and Karel Hrusovsky combined for five hits, two runs and five RBI to provide the decisive spark from the bottom of the batting order. Petr Minarik (W) conceded four hits and two runs (1 ER) in seven innings. Jordan Crystal (L) gave up eight hits, six runs and three bb in five innings during his European Cup debut.
Cariparma Parma – Tenerife Marlins Puerto Cruz 7-2
Host Cariparma Parma had a perfect start into the European Cup, defeating the Tenerife Marlins Puerto Cruz 7-2. Rodney Medina led the way, going 3-for-5 with a homerun, two runs and five RBI. Yancarlo Franco had three hits and two runs for the Marlins. Marco Grifantini (W) struck out nine in seven innings, allowing just one run on six hits. Yoel Hernandez (L) was charged with six hits, five runs (2 ER) and three bb in four frames.