With a 9-0 victory over South Africa on the final day of group play at the U18 World Cup in Florida, the Dutch squad’s third win, the Netherlands have qualified for the Super Round, where they will take on Mexico, Japan, and Chinese Taipei.
The game against a winless South Africa was close until the fourth inning when a Mees Robberse three-run homer expanded on the 1-0 lead the Dutch had taken in the first inning. Two additional runs followed in the sixth, and three more in the seventh, as the Dutch coasted to their third victory in Group A.
On the mound, Marshall Albertsz, who was awarded the W, allowed just one hit in four innings, striking out seven, with Ryan Hoogendoorn awarded the save after allowing just one hit in three innings of work.
The pitching performance against South Africa continued a string of strong showings on the mound for the Dutch. After the team’s 3-9 loss to the USA to open the tournament, the Dutch hurlers allowed just five runs and 14 hits, while striking out 26 batters, in their four remaining group matches, including just one run to a South Korea squad that finished second in the group with a 4-1 record.
The Dutch will start the Super Round with two losses given their 1-0 loss to South Korea and defeat to Team USA in group play.
GROUP RESULTS
vs. USA, 3-9 (box score)
vs. Canada, 3-2 (box score)
vs. Brazil, 5-2 (box score)
vs. South Korea, 0-1 (box score)
vs. South Africa, 9-0 (box score)