Dutch pitcher Rob Cordermans flirted with a no-hitter yesterday in Rotterdam as the Netherlands gained their first victory of the World Port Tournament 2009. They defeated Japan 8-0, keeping alive their hopes of qualifying for the final on Sunday.
Day four of the World Port Tournament in Rotterdam saw Cuba maintain their unbeaten record with a 10-6 win over the Netherlands and Japan level their record at 2-2 with a 6-1 win over Taiwan. Both games provided plenty of talking points, but it was the opener involving the home nation that brought out the biggest crowd of the event so far. Continue reading
Joe and I have just got back from the Neptunus Family stadium in Rotterdam where we watched Syogo Suenaga pitch a three-hit, complete game shutout for Japan against the host nation of the World Port Tournament. The Japanese batting lineup backed their pitcher with six runs, three of which coming in the eighth inning to halt any sign of a Dutch comeback. It was great to see some live baseball, particularly in such an impressive stadium.Â
The home of DOOR Neptunus describes itself as the best ballpark in Europe and it would be no surprise if that was a fact. The stadium has been increased in capacity for the World Port Tournament and there was a large crowd on hand to witness the second of Saturday’s games. In the earlier contest, Cuba defeated Taiwan 3-0 to improve their tournament record to 3-0. The hotel from which star pitcher Arolbis Chapman left the Cuban team looms large over the skyline beyond the ballpark’s backstop, a constant reminder to the fans in Rotterdam of the great talent that they have sadly missed.
There are two games tomorrow, starting with the exciting prospect of the Netherlands against Cuba followed by Japan taking on Taiwan. It should be another great day of baseball.
There will be no ‘Weekly’ Hit Ground Ball column this Sunday, for the first time since the start of the 2006 MLB season, as Joe and I will be in Rotterdam watching some games from the World Port Tournament. The invitational international event began on Thursday and has already seen its share of drama. Continue reading