MIAMI (DA) — Israel broke open a one-run game with five runs in the sixth inning Tuesday to beat the Netherlands 6-2 and finish third in Pool D in the Dutch team’s final game of the 2026 World Baseball Classic.
The Netherlands jumped ahead with two runs in the first, but the offense stalled the rest of the way. Israel answered with one run in the second and then took control in the sixth, finishing with six runs on eight hits.
Xander Bogaerts collected two of the Netherlands’ three hits and drove in a run. Didi Gregorius added an RBI, while Druw Jones drew four walks and scored once.
The Dutch lineup struggled to cash in its chances. The Netherlands went 0-for-11 with runners in scoring position, left nine men on base and struck out 10 times despite drawing eight walks.
Israel got three RBI from Zack Gelof, two from Matt Mervis and one from Alex Schreck. Israel finished 3-for-8 with runners in scoring position.
Left-hander Ryjeteri Merite started for the Netherlands and allowed one run in 1 2/3 innings. Shairon Martis followed with 3 1/3 scoreless innings in relief, but Kevin Kelly took the loss after Israel’s decisive sixth inning.
The defeat left the Netherlands at 1-3 in Pool D, while Israel closed at 2-2 and claimed third place.