Nada SSM Split has won the European Cup Qualifier in Antwerp, Belgium. They defeated host Borgerhout Squirrels 3-2 in the final on Saturday to clinch a Croatian spot in next year’s CEB Cup. Two runs in the top of the eighth decided the outcome. Borgerhout had been undefeated in the tournament so far.
After both teams scored once in the first three frames, the Squirrels took the lead with a RBI single by Steven De Lannoy in the bottom of the fourth. This was still the score, when Nada loaded the bases with one out in the eighth. Marin Tadic singled and in combination with an error at short, two runs came around to score and to decide the game.
Wayne Ough went the distance, allowing six hits, two runs and three walks in nine innings. He struck out 14. Kevin De Smedt conceded eight hits, three runs and two base on balls in also nine innings to take the loss.
Individual Awards
- MVP: Franko Vrlic Kovacic (Nada SSM Split)
- Best Batter: Steven De Lannoy (Borgerhout Squirrels)
- Best Pitcher: Wayne Ough (Nada SSM Split)
Final Standings
|
1
|
 Split Nada (CRO) |
|
2
|
 Borgerhout Squirrels (BEL) |
|
3
|
 Stockholm (SWE) |
|
4
|
 Essex Arrows (GBR) |
|
5
|
 Espoo Expos (FIN) |
Complete results, box scores and stats at www.baseballstats.eu