World No. 5 Netherlands defeats Nº 4 Chinese Taipei to open Premier12 Group

TAICHUNG, Taiwan — The Dutch National Team defeated hosts Chinese Taipei 7-4 in a thriller Monday night at Intercontinental Stadium to open Group A of the 2015 WBSC Premier12.

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<p>TAICHUNG, Taiwan — The Dutch National Team defeated hosts Chinese Taipei 7-4 in a thriller Monday night at Intercontinental Stadium to open Group A of the 2015 WBSC Premier12.</p>

<p>After legend and home run king Sadaharu Oh’s ceremonial first swing of the bat, world No. 4 Chinese Taipei and the No. 5 Netherlands put on a fireworks display, combining for 23 hits and 3 home runs.</p>

<p>The Netherlands pounded 14 hits, including a 2-run home run by third baseman Yurendell de Caster (3 for 5, 2 RBI, 2 R) in the second inning.</p>

<p>Just prior to De Caster’s home run, the crowd of more than 16,000 was electrified when Chinese Taipei star outfielder Dai-Kang Yang (Nippon Ham Fighters — NPB) blasted a home run off Dutch starter Diego Markwell in the bottom of the first inning.</p>

<p>In the sixth inning, Hung-Yu Lin (Lamigo Monkeys — CPBL) launched a home run to make the game 4-3, bringing the cheering fans to their feet.</p>

<p>In the top of the ninth inning, the Netherlands scored three runs on three hits, including a double by NPB home run king Wladimir Balentien (Tokyo Yakult Swallows) to put the game out of reach.</p>

<p>The Netherlands used five pitchers, with Shairon Martis picking up the win for his 2.2 innings in relief.</p>

<p>In the loss, star Dai-Kang Yang commended his opponents and teammates, saying the opening match was a “great performances from both teams.”</p>

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