Netherlands advances to next round of World Baseball Classic
The Netherlands' second baseman Jonathan Schoop watches from the dugout in the fourth inning of their World Baseball Classic first-round game against Australia at the Intercontinental Baseball Stadium in Taichung, Taiwan. (March 5, 2013) Credit: AP
Jonathan Schoop's two-run homer helped give the Netherlands a spot in the next round of the World Baseball Classic with a 4-1 victory over Australia on Tuesday.
The win gave the Dutch a 2-1 record in Group B and made sure they will play in the second round in Tokyo. Schoop's homer capped a three-run second inning for the Dutch.
Starting pitcher Robbie Cordemans allowed two hits in five innings.
Host Taiwan faced South Korea later Tuesday in a game that will determine which of the two teams advanced to Tokyo.
Australia finished at 0-3.
Brad Harman had a ninth-inning drive to left for Australia with two on that was snagged on the warning track by Randolph Oduber, preserving the Dutch win.
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