Japan 000 000 000 0 6 1 Netherlands 000 000 20X 2 8 1
The Netherlands have won the Honkbalweek Haarlem 2016. The team of manager Steve Janssen defeated Japan 2-0 in the title game on Sunday afternoon. In front of an attendance of 3,200 at Pim Mulier Stadium the Dutch team scored two runs in the bottom of the seventh to decide the outcome.
Except for the pair of runs it was a pitcher’s duel. Tom Stuifbergen started for the Dutch team and conceded only two hits and two walks in five scoreless frames. Berry van Driel, Tom de Blok (who earned the win) and Loek van Mil (picked up the save) closed it out. Japan’s starter Yuya Yanagi surrendered two runs (1 ER) on six hits and four base on balls in 6 2/3 innings to take the loss.
The outcome was decided by a sloppy inning of Japan’s defense, as Nick Urbanus crossed the plate after Japan’s center fielder misplayed a single by Stijn van der Meer. Van der Meer scored later that inning through a wild pitch.
Final Standings 28th Honkbalweek Haarlem:
1) Netherlands
2) Japan
3) Australia
4) Chinese Taipei
5) Curacao
Complete information about the tournament is available through www.honkbalweek.eu