The semi-finals on Sunday were overshadowed by a tragic moment in the 4-3 win of Konica Minolta Pioniers against Door Neptunus. Pioniers Executive Harry PAMPEL suffered a heart attack in the ninth inning and passed away later in the evening. The game was interrupted, but was resumed after a 35-minutes-dealy.
The Amsterdam Pirates forced a fourth game with an 11-6 romp in Kinheim.
Door Neptunus – Konica Minolta Pioniers 3-4 (0-3) Besides the sad story of the day, the Pioniers swept the series with this win and clinched their berth in the Holland Series. Jourick BLANCO decided the game with a two-run-single in the top of the ninth. Neptunus led 3-2 since the bottom of the seventh, when Lennart KOSTER and Jeffrey ARENDS came through with RBI-singles. Nelson SANTANDER started for Konica Minolta. He allowed eight hits, three runs and five base on balls in 6 1/3 innings. Reliever Dave DRAIJER received the win. Jurjen VAN ZIJL gave up five hits, one run and three walks in six innings for Door. Leon BOYD came in for the last three frames and got the loss.
PIO 001 000 102 4 6 2
NEP 000 001 200 3 11 2
Corendon Kinheim – Amsterdam Pirates 6-11 (2-1). Corendon Kinheim has to wait at least 1 more week to reach the Holland Series. They lost 6-11 against Amsterdam. The Pirates scored nine runs between the fourth and eighth period and delayed their season end. Kenny BERKENBOSCH (4-5, 3 Runs, 2 RBI) and Sidney DE JONG (2-6, 2 RBI) hit homeruns. Bas DE JONG and Fausto ALVAREZ reached the plate twice. Rene CREMER had two hits and three runs for Kinheim. Dirk VAN’T KLOOSTER got two RBI.
Nick STUIFBERGEN (W 1-0) pitched 7 1/3 innings. He was responsible for ten hits, six runs (2 ER) and three base on balls. Patrick BELJAARDS (L 0-1) gave up eight hits, six runs and one walk in five-plus innings.
PIR 020 121 410 11 16 4
KIN 220 001 010 6 12 2