Holland Series, Game 1, September 4:
(0-1) DOOR Neptunus – L&D Amsterdam Pirates 2-5
AMS 000 100 103 5 7 0 NEP 000 000 002 2 6 2
L&D Amsterdam stunned regular season winner and reigning champion DOOR Neptunus 5-2 in game one of the Holland Series on Saturday afternoon at the Family Stadium in Rotterdam. It was just the second win in the seventh game against Neptunus this season. The title holder came into the finals having not allowed a run in the last seven games dating back to the regular season.
After three scoreless frames in the beginning the Pirates took the lead in the top of the fourth thanks to a solo shot by Sidney de Jong. They built up the advantage in the seventh on a RBI single by Michael Kramer and through three runs in the ninth – on a wild pitch, an error and a sac fly by Wesley Connor – to make it 5-0 with three outs to play.
In the bottom of the last frame the Neptunus offense finally woke up. Three consecutive singles by Danny Rombley, Dwayne Kemp and Jeffrey Arends ended the shutout. But after loading the bases with one out they only managed one more run on a RBI fielder’s choice and lost 2-5.
Surprisingly making the start for Amsterdam, Jos de Jong (W) allowed just two hits and six walks in 6 2/3 scoreless innings for the win. He struck out three. Diegomar Markwell (L) was handed the loss, giving up two runs on seven hits in seven innings, striking out four. Game two will be played in Amsterdam with a 1.15 start to accommodate live TV.
Schedule Holland Series:
Sunday, September 5:
13:15 L&D Amsterdam Pirates – DOOR Neptunus (live at NOS)
Thursday, September 9:
19:45 DOOR Neptunus – L&D Amsterdam Pirates
Saturday, September 11:
14:00 L&D Amsterdam Pirates – DOOR Neptunus
Sunday, September 12:
14:00 DOOR Neptunus – L&D Amsterdam Pirates*
Saturday, September 18:
14:00 L&D Amsterdam Pirates – DOOR Neptunus*
Sunday, September 19:
14:00 DOOR Neptunus – L&D Amsterdam Pirates*
*if necessary