On Tuesday, both Japan and Team Kingdom of the Netherlands maintained their undefeated status, but it was by no means easy. Both teams managed to distance themselves from Italy and Spain, respectively, late in their match.
Whereas Japan managed to decide their evenly matched duel with the Azzurri thanks to a late rally, Team Kingdom owed its 8-4 victory to a pair of hitting. Eugene Helder was the big man on the Dutch side with a grand slam in the opening inning, while Denzel Richardson’s 3-run triple (pictured) was at least as valuable. Read full reports of the games in the Reading section.
After the victories of Japan and Team Kingdom of the Netherlands on Tuesday, it is clear that they will decide between themselves on Wednesday who will finish first and who will finish second, but who they will face in the semifinals remains to be seen.
What is certain is that Team USA – which will take on already eliminated Spain on Wednesday – will finish the group stage as number three and the loser of the game between Japan and Team Kingdom will thus meet them in the semifinals on Thursday.
The remaining ticket to the knockout stage will be fought Wednesday morning between Chinese Taipei and Italy. View Wednesday’s full schedule here.
(Photo: David Mulder)