Ramiro Escorcia dominates as Colombia bounce back, get key win against Netherlands

Ramiro Escorcia pitched a one-hit gem today leading Colombia to a very important win against Netherlands, 7-0, in five innings. The veteran right-handed pitcher struck out five in the game.

Colombia jumped ahead in the score in the first inning, Edgar Mercado walked, and he was followed by three consecutive singles by Mateo Luna, Aldo Navia and Jorge Martinez, the last two to produce a run each for their team. 

Two innings later, the South Americans broke the game open with a three-hit, five-run rally. Colombia used the same formula, with a walk, and three hits in a row by Luna, Navia and Martinez, who highlighted the inning with a two run double. 

Luna, Navia and Martinez -batting from the third, fourth and fifth spot in the lineup- were responsible for the six Colombian hits of the game. 

Escorcia has pitched 12 scoreless innings in the tournament, seven against South Africa and five today to the Netherlands. He has collected 12 strikeouts, holding their opponents to a .056 batting average. He has posted a WHIP (walks and hits per inning pitched) of .046.

Netherlands starter Emeron Lourens pitched 2.1 innings, allowing six runs on six hits. He was charged with the loss.

After today's doubleheader, the South American squad remains in contention for a Play Offs spot with a 2-2 record. Netherlands dropped to 0-3.