Two games were on the schedule on Monday at the Honkbalweek Haarlem. In the afternoon Italy followed in the footsteps of Germany’s historic feat from Sunday and stunned Cuba 7-3. In the evening Germany fell to Japan 1-6, which improved to 4-0 in the tournament.
Cuba 000 100 002 3 9 1 Italy 200 203 00X 7 10 1
Cuba also lost their third game in the Honkbalweek on Monday afternoon, losing to Italy 3-7. The Squadra Azzurri built a quick 4-1 lead through four frames and led 7-1 entering the ninth inning. Former big leaguer Chris Colabello reached base four times and drove in two with a double in the first. Alessandro Maestri hurled six strong innings, issuing just four hits, an unearned run and no walks, while striking out five. Dachel Duquesne took the loss, getting replaced after giving up two runs on three hits, while capturing just two outs in the first.
Attendance at 4th inning approximately 1,000. Before the 5th inning Azzurro by Adriano Celentano was played at Pim Mulier Stadium. Ceremonial first pitch was performed by Mr Luis Carton, board member Cuban baseball federation, invited for this game in respect for his long lasting fidelity in relationship between Netherlands federation KNBSB and Cuban federation in delegating a national team selection from Cuba to the Netherlands to participate in both alternating biannual tournaments Honkbalweek Haarlem and World Port Tournament in Rotterdam. Since 1985 Cuba always delegated a very competitive selection to Rotterdam or Haarlem each year.
Germany 000 100 000 1 7 0 Japan 101 000 04X 6 11 0
Japan held off a strong German team 6-1 on Monday evening at the Honkbalweek. Germany’s starting pitcher Sascha Koch held Japan to six hits, two runs and three walks in six innings. Japan added four runs in the eighth against reliever Wes Roemer to blow up the score. Max Boldt scored the lone run for Germany in the fourth on a RBI by Maurice Wilhelm. Masato Morishita pitched six innings for the win. Toshiya Sato doubled twice and drove in two.
All information about the Honkbalweek Haarlem can be found at www.honkbalweek.nl. A simple live stream is available at YouTube.
Pim van Nes contributed to the report.