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| July 20, 2003 | Sunday | Jumadi-ul-Awwal 19, 1424 |
Netherlands retain title
HAARLEM (Netherlands), July 19: The Netherlands held on to their title of European baseball champions after beating surprise finalists Greece 2-0 on Saturday.
The Dutch benefited from an error by Greek pitcher Kevin Pickford, allowing midfielder Danny Rombley to open the score in the third inning.
Greece, almost entirely made up of players from United States leagues, filled up the bases several times after uncontrolled pitching from the Dutch side. But they failed to cash in on their scoring potential as the batting power remained limited to just four base hits in the entire game.
In a crucial fifth inning, Rombley prevented Nicholas Markakis equalising with a powerful throw to home plate. Dutch relief pitcher Alexander Smit, taking over from Rob Cordemans, then went on to field the third down with the bases loaded.
The Netherlands, making a total 10 base hits, scored another point in the seventh inning, but failed to increase their lead when Rombley, on first base after a well placed bunt, was picked off.
It was the first time the two countries had met in a final, after traditional finalists Italy were taken out by Sweden on Thursday. Greece, with hardly any baseball history, are building up a side for the Olympics next year.—Reuters
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