USA use long ball to defeat Netherlands, take control of Group C
World No. 7 USA homered five times tonight in an 11-0, five-inning win against No. 19 Netherlands at the WBSC Men’s Softball World Cup Group C at Devon Park - OGE Energy Field in Oklahoma City, USA, on Wednesday. Erick Ochoa, Blaine Milheim, Jonathan Lynch, Tyler Johnson, and Frank Kimlinger each went yard for the hosts, leading a dominant 17-hit offensive effort.
With this win, the USA lead Group C with a perfect 3-0 record and will face No. 4 Japan tomorrow in the most anticipated game of the Opening Round. The Netherlands, having lost both of their games, will play a doubleheader tomorrow.
In the top of the first, the USA capitalised on three hits to score a run and load the bases. However, a superb running catch by left fielder Dyron Juaquin prevented the hosts from adding at least two more runs. Blaine Milheim scored the lone run of the inning on a single by Jeffrey Lewis.
The USA added two more runs in the second, stringing together four hits. With one out, Zach Johnson tripled and scored on a double by lead-off hitter Yusef Davis. Milheim then drove in Davis with a single to right.
The fireworks started in the third inning when Frank Kimlinger launched the first of five USA home runs, a line-drive shot. This marked the end for Netherlands starter Fransel Meyers, who lasted 2.1 innings, giving up four runs on eight hits.
In the fourth, the hosts continued to pour it on with more long balls. Milheim led off with a solo shot to centre, his third hit of the game, making it 5-0. One out later, Lynch followed with another homer over the fence.
In the top of the fifth, the USA added five more runs on five hits, highlighted by a three-run homer from Ochoa and a two-run blast from Johnson.
Cody Gibbons earned the win, striking out seven over four innings while allowing just two hits and three walks. Javier Caballero closed out the game, surrendering one hit in the fifth and striking out one.
Veteran shortstop Eldrick Dijkhoff collected all three of the Netherlands' hits in the game, raising his tournament batting average to .500.