Ramiro Escorcia dominates as Colombia bounce back with key win over Netherlands
Ramiro Escorcia delivered a one-hit gem on Thursday, leading Colombia to a crucial 7-0 win over the Netherlands in five innings at the WBSC Men's Softball World Cup Group C, held at Devon Park - CGE Energy Field in Oklahoma, USA. The veteran right-hander struck out five in the victory.
Colombia jumped ahead in the first inning when Edgar Mercado walked, followed by three consecutive singles from Mateo Luna, Aldo Navia and Jorge Martinez, with the latter two driving in a run each.
Two innings later, the South Americans broke the game open with a three-hit, five-run rally. Using the same formula, a walk was followed by three consecutive hits from Luna, Navia and Martinez, who capped the inning with a two-run double.
Luna, Navia and Martinez - batting in the third, fourth and fifth spots - were responsible for all six of Colombia’s hits in the game.
Escorcia has now pitched 12 scoreless innings in the tournament - seven against South Africa and five on Thursday against the Netherlands. He has recorded 12 strikeouts, holding opponents to a .056 batting average, and boasts a WHIP (walks and hits per inning pitched) of just .046.
Netherlands starter Emeron Lourens pitched 2.1 innings, allowing six runs on six hits and was charged with the loss.
After Thursday’s doubleheader, the South American side remains in contention for a Playoff spot with a 2-2 record, while the Netherlands dropped to 0-3.