Netherlands 000 400 004 8 9 2 Italy 001 002 000 3 7 1
The Netherlands scored four runs apiece in the fourth and the ninth inning of an 8-3 win over Italy on Sunday afternoon in Bologna to secure second place in the final standings of the Europe/Africa Olympic Baseball Qualifier 2019. Being the runner up means that the Dutch team earns a second chance to qualify for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at the Final Olympic Qualification event next spring. Additionally the Netherlands can earn a spot by winning the Premier12 in November. Kalian Sams and Sharlon Schoop combined for five RBI in the Netherlands win. Roger Bernadina scored twice. Orlando Yntema meanwhile out-pitched Alessandro Maestri. Former Ski Alpin giant Alberto Tomba threw out the ceremonial first pitch prior to the game.
All information about the Olympic Baseball Qualifier can be found at www.wbsc.org