USA’s Matt Shaw delivered a dominant performance, going 4-for-5 with seven RBIs to lead his team to a 12-2 victory over the Netherlands in the Premier12 2024 Presented by RAXUS. The game, which ended in eight innings, marked the USA’s first win of the tournament in their second Group A matchup.
Shaw’s performance was a highlight, following his 3-for-3 game against Puerto Rico the day before. He drove in seven runs, including a go-ahead RBI single in the third inning, a bases-clearing double in the seventh, and a walk-off three-run home run in the eighth. Shaw’s batting average for the tournament now stands at an impressive .875.
“We were looking for pitches outside. The guys worked the outside, and we were looking for heaters away,” said Shaw after the game. “It’s awesome to get the first win in the tournament. I’m excited to keep things going.”
The game started with a high-scoring first inning, as both teams exchanged two runs. The Netherlands took an early lead with Didi Gregorius hitting a home run on the first pitch of the game, followed by Jonathan Schoop’s single, which set up Juremi Profar’s grounder that brought in a second run.
USA responded in the bottom of the first with two home runs. Luke Ritter and Ryan Ward hit back-to-back shots with two outs, tying the game at 2-2.
In the third inning, Shaw’s go-ahead RBI single sparked a three-run rally for the USA, giving them a lead they would not relinquish.
“We were right there in the game, but we couldn’t capitalize on a few situations,” said Netherlands manager Evert Jan ‘t Hoen. “In the end, they hit us to a mercy rule. It’s tough losing, but we’re 1-1 and still in the mix to advance.”
Shaw added more insurance in the seventh with a bases-loaded double that brought in three more runs. He then scored on a sacrifice fly, making it 9-2 for the USA.
In the eighth inning, Shaw wrapped up his big night with a three-run home run over the right field fence, ending the game via the mercy rule.
“Our confidence is really high after last game,” Shaw said. “We have a good group, and we’re just going to keep rolling.”
Looking ahead to tomorrow’s game against Venezuela, Shaw noted, “Every game, we’re going in with the same mentality. Venezuela is a great team, just like the Netherlands and Puerto Rico. We have to keep playing good baseball.”
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