(Story by Marco Stoovelaar)
 Neptunus secures European Cup-spot with small win
Nederlands
 ROTTERDAM (Neth.) -
League-leader Curaçao Neptunus registered another small victory on Saturday (July 30) against Pickles UVV, then had to wait a few minutes for the result of the game between second-placed L&D Amsterdam Pirates and Kinheim, which ended in a small win for the latter.
Neptunus won 4-2, Kinheim won 2-1.
The combination of the Neptunus-victory and Amsterdam-loss means that Neptunus will finish in first place in the Overall Standings (two competition halves combined).
With that, Neptunus qualifies for participation in next years European Champions Cup-tournament.
Last year, Neptunus won the Cup for the first time since 2004, but last month, the Rotterdam-squad was dethroned by Amsterdam Pirates, which went on to win the Cup this time.
By finishing in first place, Neptunus will open the 3-series (9 games) Play-Offs with two games on the road against the team that will finish in fourth place in the Overall Standings.
That will be either Kinheim or Vaessen Pioniers.
Kinheim currently is in fourth place.
As in the opening game on Thursday-evening, Neptunus faced a deficit in the fifth inning.
After having taken an 1-0 lead in the first inning, UVV answered with two runs in the second at bat and led 2-1 halfway the fifth at bat.
Neptunus then came alongside moments later and added two runs in the sixth.
These runs were both scored on a double by former pro Ruar Verkerk, who was released in June and then joined Neptunus.
Orlando Yntema gave up eight hits in eight innings to become the first 10-game winner of the season.
(complete recap will be added later)
(July 30)
Standings 2nd half
Standings Overall
Schedule & Starting Pitchers
Team Rosters
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Neptunus finishes in first place in the Overall Standings and qualifies for participation in the European Champions Cup 2017.