Gregorius, J. Schoop, Clementina shine as Netherlands win record-setting game against Puerto Rico

Didi Gregorious, Jonathan Schoop and Hendrik Clementina combined for 10 hits, 12 RBIs and 11 runs in the Netherlands 20-8 win against Puerto Rico on Tuesday, in an incredible offensive performance by the European squad. The Netherlands set a Premier12 record of runs scored (20) and hits (24). Both teams combined for 28 runs and 35 hits, the most in the history of the competition.

"It was a great game. The whole team knew how important this game was to win. The determination our team showed was not just the three of them, but the whole team," said Netherlands manager Evert Jan ‘t Hoen. "Although in the first two innings these three players had a better performance."

The game started with a homer by Didi Gregorius, who sent the fifth pitch of the game over the left field wall. It was the second lead-off home run of the tournament for the former big leaguer. 

Gregorious' swing set the tone for an offensive surge for the Netherlands lineup, which scored five runs in the second inning, four in the third and five again in the fourth frame. They collected 16 hits in the first four innings of the game.

Tom De Blok was the winning pitcher for Netherlands, pitching five innings while giving up seven hits and three runs. "I'm really proud of all the guys, especially Tom de Blak," added ‘t Hoen. "He flew in later because he just had his second child. So he came to Mexico a little bit later to start this game. And he gave us five tremendous innings and a really big win for us. Especially in this group, where everybody beats everybody."

In spite of the result, Puerto Rico had a good offensive game, but they just didn't pitch today. "We hit tonight, but when the pitching can’t hold off the opposing offence, it’s very difficult. Everyone saw it, we gave up 20 runs tonight," mentioned Juan Gonzalez, Puerto Rico's skipper. "Eight runs should be enough to win a game. But when the pitching doesn’t get the job done, it’s hard to win. But that’s it; we turn the page, and tomorrow we have to come here at 1 p.m. against Venezuela and give our all."

Netherlands is 2-1 now, and on top of the standings. "You go game by game. We beat Panama in a really tough game. We lose big to USA. We win big today. Tomorrow is a whole new day," said ‘t Hoen. "Mexico is a tremendous team. They have been playing good baseball. So have we. So, it's going to be a good game."