On Saturday, the Premier12 began at Estadio Panamerico in Guadalajara, Mexico as The Netherlands faced off against Panama. The Netherlands defeated Panama in 10 innings, as the Dutch comeback victory was propelled by third baseman Sharlon Schoop and his crucial offensive performance.
Early on, it was all Panama as they had a 7-2 lead after the top of the fourth inning. Down five runs, the Dutch stormed back into the game and were able to walk it off in the bottom of the 10th inning to win 9-8.
Hitting was huge for the Netherlands as they tallied 15 total hits as a team. Sharlon Schoop had three of those hits, which also led to two RBIs. He had a pivotal home run that helped cut Panama’s lead down to put the Dutch within striking distance during their comeback. Schoop also scored two runs himself over the course of five at-bats he got during the game.
Sharlon Schoop continues his great day by adding on a homer to cut the lead to 3!! #premier12 ???????? pic.twitter.com/RjDwe4tnNd
— World Baseball Network (@WorldBaseball_) November 9, 2024
Sharlon Schoop is 37 years old and from the Dutch Caribbean island of Curacao. He has spent most of his playing career in the MLB minor leagues, playing primarily for the Bowie Baysox and Norfolk Tides. He has also played for the Amsterdam Pirates in the Honkbal Hoofdklasse league. His brother Jonathan Schoop is also playing for the Netherlands in the Premier12 and the 11 year MLB veteran and one time All-Star pitched in against Panama as well with a double and two walks.
The Netherlands next game in the Premier12 is against the United States at Coloso Del Pacifico in Tepic, Mexico on Nov. 10. The first pitch is scheduled for 6 p.m. EST.
All Premier12 games can be streamed with a subscription to DAZN.
