Group A: Netherlands – Czech Republic
Czech Republic 000 000 0 0 2 0 Netherlands 321 031 X 10 13 0
The Netherlands secured first place in Group A at the European Championship in Hoofddorp with a 10-0 shutout over the Czech Republic. With the win the Dutch team improved to 4-0, while the Czech dropped to 3-1. The Netherlands scored in five of the first six innings for an easy victory, a complete difference to their matchup against the Czech from four years ago, where Michal Sobotka stunned the heavy favorite with a gem.
On Monday evening Kalian Sams alone proved to be the difference. The former minor leaguer went 3-for-3 with three home runs, seven RBI and three runs scored. Curt Smith added four hits and the remaining three RBI. Yurendell de Caster also was perfect at the plate with three hits in three at-bats. The Czech Republic meanwhile managed just two hits by Martin Schneider and Martin Cervenka.
Otherwise Lars Huijer was in complete control. Pitching in his baseball living room the former minor leaguer of the Vaessen Pioniers, who play their home games at that ballpark, conceded only two hits and two walks in six scoreless innings. He struck out six for the win. Loek van Mil retired the side in order in the seventh to close out the shutout. Tomas Duffek on the opposition surrendered nine hits, six runs and a base on balls in four innings to take the loss.
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