The playoffs in the Dutch Hoofdklasse started on Thursday with two games. L&D Amsterdam edged out the Hoofddorp Pioniers 4-1. A three-run fifth inning broke a 1-1 tie en route to the Pirates win. Rob Cordemans won the pitcher’s duel against Lars Huijer, throwing seven innings of four-hit ball. Remco Draijer scored twice for Amsterdam.
Curacao Neptunus defeated HCAW 6-2. Rotterdam took a quick lead and always answered Bussum’s tries to get back into the game with additional runs. Gianison Boekhoudt went 2-for-2 with two walks, a home run and three RBI. Jochem Koedijk scored twice. Vince Rooi crossed the plate for both HCAW runs. Diegomar Markwell pitched seven solid innings for the win. Jim Ploeger got charged with the loss.