Czech Republic – Germany 4-5 (10)
GER 101 010 000 2 5 11 2 CZE 000 101 010 1 4 13 1
The first matchup at Familie Stadium in Rotterdam didn’t lack any drama. Germany prevailed 5-4 in ten innings over the Czech Republic. A hit by pitch with the bases loaded and a sac fly by Ludwig Glaser gave the team of head coach Greg Frady the decisive lead, as the Czech only were able to counter with a RBI single by Jan Drabek. It was a play, which also featured Martin Vesely getting thrown out at the plate.
Earlier the Czech team had tied the game one throwing error by catcher Simon Guehring in the eighth. Max Kepler homered in his first at-bat in the first. Jendrick Speer drove in three for Germany. Kevin Kotowski scored three runs on three hits. Pavel Budsky doubled twice for the Czech Republic as part of a three-hit day.
Luke Sommer, a familiar face for Hoofdklasse fans, took the game for Germany. The surprise late addition to the team got the starting nod in the opener and allowed ten hits, two runs and two walks in 6 2/3 innings. He struck out eight in the no-decision. Martin Dewald got the win in relief. Marek Minarik was charged with the loss.