Baseball World Cup Round 3, Grosseto:
Canada – Netherlands 11-5
NED 040 010 000 5 8 1 CAN 002 002 25X 11 14 0
Canada overcame a 0-4 deficit against the Netherlands and won 11-5 to solidify second place in Pool G. They also nearly ended all Dutch hopes for the championship game. With a win in their last third-round game on Friday against Team USA they would need to get into a three-way tie to stay alive. Canada secured a spot in the bronze medal game on Saturday.
The lone remaining European participant in the Baseball World Cup had a perfect start into the match with four runs in the second. The rally was highlighted by a two-run double of Hainley Statia. Canada cut the deficit in a half with a two-run homerun by Jonathan Malo in the third. The Dutch team extended the lead with a RBI groundout by Sidney de Jong in the fifth.
Unfortunately it was the last time they would cross the plate. Canada on the other hand continued to reduce the gap with two more runs in the sixth thanks to a two-run single by Adam Loewen. One frame later they completed the comeback, as Shawn Bowman sent a pitch over the left field fence for a two-run homerun and a 6-5 lead. Five more runs in the eighth sealed the win and blew things wide open.
Rob Cordemans (NED) gave up nine hits, four runs and a walk in 5 2/3 innings. He struck out six. Brooks McNiven (CAN) issued six hits, five runs and a bb in four-plus innings. Trystan Magnuson (W 3-0) picked up the win. Arschwin Asjes (L 0-1) took the loss.
Again attendance at the Jannella ballpark in Grosseto was disappointing. Only 250 people wanted to see the match. As already mentioned the Netherlands will take on Team USA on Friday evening in Nettuno. Eurosport2 will broadcast the match live, starting at 7pm CET. Canada will face Cuba in Firenze.