By defeating Cuba on Tuesday night at the World Port Tournament in Rotterdam, the Netherlands claimed the first seed entering the double elimination playoffs on Thursday. In the second game Chinese Taipei defeated Japan for its first win in the tournament. The preliminary round ends on Wednesday.
Chinese Taipei – Japan 6-4
Chinese Taipei scored four runs in the bottom of the eighth to erase a 2-4 deficit in a 6-4 win over Japan on Tuesday afternoon at Family Stadium. A bases clearing triple by Po Ting Hsiao decided the outcome. Teppei Ueda had four hits and two RBI for Japan. Shih Ying Peng pitched two scoreless innings for the win. Yuta Monzen got charged with the loss, surrendering nine hits, six runs (5 ER) and three walks in 7 2/3 frames.
Cuba – Netherlands 7-12
In a wild affair between the international baseball rivals the Netherlands prevailed 12-7 against Cuba. After the Dutch took a 2-1 lead in the top of the sixth, Cuba put five runs on the board in the bottom half of the frame. However the hosts of the tournament answered right away with seven runs in the seventh. Yurisbel Gracial and Osvaldo Vazques hit home runs for Cuba. Dashenko Ricardo highlighted the decisive rally with a three-run triple. Kevin Moesquidt scored three times for the Dutch. Berry van Driel earned the win. Danny Aguilera took the loss. 12 pitchers were used in the high-scoring contest.
For more information visit the official website www.worldporttournament.nl