Late-inning rally gives Netherlands comeback win to stay in contention for Play-Offs spot

The Netherlands overcame a three-run deficit in the sixth inning, capitalising on two costly errors by South Africa’s defence to fuel a five-run rally and secure a dramatic 6-4 comeback win at the WBSC Men's Softball World Cup Group C, held at Devon Park - CGE Energy Field in Oklahoma, USA on Thursday.

The Netherlands and South Africa entered the game with 0-3 records, both needing a win to stay in contention for a Play-Offs spot. The teams exchanged runs in the first inning.

South Africa jumped ahead in the bottom half of the inning. With one out, Mandla Matswenyane hit a long ball off the left-field wall for a stand-up triple, scoring on a fielding error by second baseman Dyron Juaquin. It was South Africa's first run of the tournament.

The Netherlands quickly tied the game in the same inning. Eldrick Dijkhoff walked with one out and stole second base. Although Jonel Pirela struck out, a wild third strike allowed Dijkhoff to advance to third on a passed ball and then score on the catcher’s throw to first to retire the runner.

South Africa regained the lead in the second inning. Madumetsa Nkgapele, who drew a walk, moved to second on a sac bunt and reached third on a grounder. He then scored on a bunt by Kiddo Malematja to make it 2-1.

The African team extended their lead in the third with another run. Mogau Tupudi and Brandon Bouillon singled, and Tupudi advanced to third on a double-play grounder. He finally scored on a passed ball, pushing the lead to 3-1.

In the top of the sixth, Brandon Bouillon extended South Africa's lead to 4-1 with a towering home run off the scoreboard. However, the green and yellow squad could not hold on to the advantage.

The Netherlands capitalised on a pair of costly errors to rally with five runs. Jefferson Delfina and Dijkhoff reached base with one out, and Jonel Pirela hit a routine grounder to shortstop. It could have resulted in an inning-ending double play, but Bouillon’s errant throw to second base allowed both runners to score and kept the inning alive.

Dyron Juaquin then tied the game with a double down the left-field line, and another throwing error on a grounder to pitcher Tidima Kekana brought in the go-ahead run for the Europeans. Quincy Jones followed with a single to drive in the insurance run.

Fransel Meyers earned the win for the Netherlands, pitching 3.1 innings in relief, allowing one run on two hits with two strikeouts. The loss was charged to Tidima Kekana, who tossed 5.2 innings, recording six strikeouts, three walks, and giving up six runs on six hits.

With this result, South Africa (0-4) are eliminated from the Play-Offs, while the Netherlands (1-3) remain in the hunt for a spot in Friday's Play-Offs.