The first round at the World Port Tournament 2019 in Rotterdam, Netherlands ended on Wednesday with two games. Chinese Taipei improved to 3-1 in the tournament with a 4-2 victory over Japan. Two runs apiece in the second and third decided the outcome early. Chih Hung Cheng allowed two runs on eight hits in 5 2/3 innings for the win. Yasuhiro Ukai got charged with the loss.
In the evening Curacao blew by USA 20-2 in seven innings. Curacao took a quick 7-1 lead after three frames. Six runs in the fifth and seven in the seventh blew the score wide open. Ray Carolina and Ray Van Gurp picked up four RBI each. Risandro Pastor and Sander Boeldak scored four runs apiece. Liam Scafariello homered and drove in both runs for the US selection. Artur Strzalka took the loss.
On Thursday Chinese Taipei will take on Curacao, while the USA team is facing the Netherlands, as the double elimination final round will get underway.
All information about the World Port Tournament can be found at www.worldporttournament.nl.