The Dutch Playoffs started with two interesting games. Konica Minolta scored two runs in the top of the ninth to upset Neptunus 3-1. Kinheim got a 6-5 comeback win against Amsterdam.
Corondon Kinheim – Amsterdam Pirates 6-5 (1-0)
The Pirates had the better start into the game and led by five runs after six and a half innings. Fausto ALVAREZ got the first three runs on the scoreboard with a home run in the second. They extend their lead in fifth, after a Sidney DE JONG doubled in a run and scored after a wild pitch. Kinheim woke up and scored five runs in the bottom of the seventh to tie it. They loaded the bases with no outs and cut the lead through two RBI-singles and a bases-loaded-walk 3-5. Two other runs reached the plate after a throwing error by third baseman Zair KOEIMAN. One frame later Corondon completed the rally with a RBI-single by Tjerk SMEETS.
Harris VAUGHAN (Kin) allowed seven hits, five runs and three base on balls in 4 1/3 innings. Duko JANSEN (W 1-0) relieved him with 3 2/3 one-hit-innings.
Kenny BERKENBOSCH pitched six-plus strong innings for Amsterdam. He was responsible for five hits, one run and five walks. He struck out nine. Nick STUIFBERGEN replaced him after a leadoff-walk in the seventh. STUIFBERGEN could not record one out and blow the lead. Pim WALSMA came in and lost the game in the eight.
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KIN 000 000 51x 6 11 1
DOOR Neptunus – Konica Minolta Pioniers 1-3 (0-1)
Roger KOPS (W 1-0) won the pitchers duel against Leon BOYD (L 0-1) and the Pioniers beat Neptunus on the road. So much for home field advantage. Both starters gave up no runs in the first seven frames. Konica Minolta scored the first run in the eighth. Dè FLANEGIN hit a RBI-single and Michael DUURSMA, who singled to open the period, reached the plate. They added two more runs through RBI-singles from DUURSMA and Norbert LOKHORST. The Neptunus rallied in the bottom. But only Raily LEGITO scored on a fielder’s choice. Closer Nelson SANTANDER (S 1) struck out Martijn MEEUWIS to end the thriller.
KOPS pitched seven innings and allowed only two hits and two walks. BOYD gave up seven hits, one run and two base on balls in eight innings.
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NEP 000 000 001 1 3 0