Southwest no-hitter ends Netherlands' tournament
By Jonathan Starkey
Staff Reporter

USA Southwest player Brittany McDonald shoots a roper over to a teammate during World Series play. Photo by RUSLANA LAMBERT

Despite four straight losses — three by way of mercy rule — and an elimination-game no-hitter, the European team stayed positive and considered the tournament productive.

But Southwest’s Blanca Idar and Nichelle Sandoval combined for 15-strikeouts and a no-hitter in Thursday’s 9-0 win that knocked the Netherlands out of competition.

“It will help them,” Netherlands Coach Jeroen Hijmans said of his team facing tougher competition than that found at home. “They don’t have many opportunities to see that kind of pitching. They don’t like that they can’t do it now. But in a couple of years, they might be able to.”

Idar, who struck out nine batters in four innings, stifled the Netherlands hitters by introducing them to the rise ball.

“In the Netherlands, that never happens,” said Netherlands third baseman Kyra Hoogendijik. “We will learn from it.” Diandra Sneevliet, who gave up eight of Southwest’s nine runs on nine hits through three innings, agreed.

“I think we played fairly well,” she said.

Thursday’s win was Southwest’s (San Antonio, Texas) third straight after losing 2-1 to Central in eight innings on Sunday. Offensively, his team was starting to improve and play to potential, Southwest Manager Joe Leal said after the Netherlands game.

“The pitching is going to be there,” Leal said, adding that he can count on any one of Thursday’s pitchers to “shut a team down. (And) the defense is going to be there. The only variable is batting. I think you’re going to see a little more production. We feel like we can compete with any of the top four teams.”