On Monday the European Cup Qualifier in Antwerp, Belgium started with the first two games of the preliminary round. The first round continues through Friday with the top two qualifying for the final on Sunday. The winner of the European Cup Qualifier will secure a spot in next year’s CEB Cup.
Nada SSM Split – Espoo Expos 4-1
Nada SSM Split defeated the Espoo Expos 4-1 in the tournament opener at Borgerhout on Monday afternoon. Split scored three runs combined in the seventh and the eighth to break a 1-1 tie. Marin Tadic struck out eight in nine innings, allowing just an unearned run on four hits. He also helped his cause by scoring the go-ahead run and later added a sac fly. Timothy Harikkala issued seven hits, four runs (1 ER) and a walk in eight innings to take the loss. He also struck out eight.
Borgerhout Squirrels – Stockholm Monarchs 14-4 (8)
The Borgerhout Squirrels opened the EC Qualifier with a 14-4 rout of the Stockholm Monarchs. In a meeting of the reigning champions from Belgium and Sweden the Squirrels scored eight runs in the seventh and the eighth to blow a close game wide open. Steven De Lannoy scored three times and drove in two. Joannes Ochoa Blanco drove in four. Dylan Driscoll had two RBI for Stockholm. Jakob Claesson got charged with the loss.
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