The Netherlands reached the semi-finals after winning a thriller against Chinese Taipei. They overcame a 0-2 deficit and scored four runs in the eleventh frame to win 6-3. With this victory they equalized their best ever finish in World Cup history.
It was an exiting duel. Taiwan took a 2-0 lead in the bottom of the third on a two-run-single by Chen-Min PENG. Their starter En-Yu LIN dominated the Dutch offense and it looked like an easy victory for the host.
Railey LEGITO hit a RBI-double in the sixth, scoring Martijn MEEUWIS and the Netherlands were back in the game. But they still had to overcome a 1-2 deficit. Vince ROOI stepped to the plate in the ninth with two outs and sent the duel into extra-innings with a solo-homerun.
After a scoreless tenth, the Netherlands came trough in the eleventh. They brought four runs on the board to decide the outcome. They loaded the bases and Gregory HALMAN ripped a two-run-double into left field. Two more reached home to add insurance runs on a two-run-single by Hainley STATIA.
Chinese Taipei rallied in the bottom of the period, but could score just one run on a RBI-double by Chen-Min PENG.
Rob CORDEMANS allowed five hits, two runs and two walks in 5 1/3 innings. Loek VAN MIEL relieved him with 3 2/3 strong scoreless innings (1 H, 1 BB, 2 K). Michiel VAN KAMPEN picked up the win.
LIN gave up two hits, one run and two base on balls in six innings. He struck out seven. Po-Hsuan KENG took the loss.
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