SARASOTA, Florida — Team Kingdom of the Netherlands opened its World Baseball Classic preparation with an impressive 8–5 exhibition victory over the Baltimore Orioles on Tuesday at Ed Smith Stadium, marking the first time since 2017 that the Dutch national program faced a Major League Baseball club.
The matchup served as a major test ahead of the upcoming World Baseball Classic, and the Kingdom squad responded with an explosive offensive performance highlighted by home runs from Ray-Patrick Didder, Ceddanne Rafaela, and Ozzie Albies.
Ray-Patrick Didder Sparks the Netherlands With Lead-Off Homer
The Netherlands wasted no time setting the tone.
On the very first pitch sequence of the game, Ray-Patrick Didder launched a lead-off home run, immediately putting the Kingdom squad ahead and energizing the dugout.
It was an ideal start against a Baltimore lineup that featured several established Major Leaguers.
However, the Orioles quickly responded in the bottom half of the inning.
New Baltimore acquisition Pete Alonso delivered a two-run home run to right field, giving the Orioles a 2–1 lead against Dutch starting pitcher Ryjeteri Merite, who was making his unofficial debut appearance for the national team.
Despite the homer, the left-hander showed poise. Merite recovered by striking out both Ryan Mountcastle and top Orioles prospect Samuel Basallo, finishing the inning strong.
Netherlands Offense Explodes in the Second Inning
Baltimore’s lead lasted only briefly.
Facing Orioles starter Trevor Rogers, the Dutch lineup erupted in the second inning with a decisive offensive surge.
After Druw Jones reached first base on a dropped third strike, Didder struck again with a double to right field, setting up a pivotal moment for the Netherlands’ newcomers.
Ceddanne Rafaela followed with his first hit for the Kingdom team, crushing a three-run home run that flipped the score to 4–2.
Moments later, Ozzie Albies added to the momentum. The Atlanta Braves star also recorded his first hit in a Netherlands uniform, blasting a solo home run to extend the lead to 5–2.
The back-to-back power display signaled a dominant offensive day for the Dutch lineup.
Trevor Rogers Knocked Out Early as Netherlands Extend Lead
The Netherlands continued to pressure Baltimore’s pitching in the third inning.
Hendrik Clementina opened the frame with a single, which ended Rogers’ outing earlier than expected. Clementina then stole second base against the Orioles’ bullpen and later scored on a base hit by Sharlon Schoop, making it 6–2.
The offense kept rolling.
Didder and Rafaela produced back-to-back doubles, pushing the Netherlands’ lead to 8–2 and capping a six-run surge over two innings.
Dutch Pitching Staff Holds Orioles in Check
While the offense delivered the headlines, several Netherlands pitchers impressed on the mound.
- Dylan Wilson: 1.0 IP, 0 H, 1 K
- Kevin Kelly: 2.0 IP, 1 H, 1 K
- Lars Huijer: 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R
The trio combined for 4.2 scoreless innings, limiting Baltimore’s opportunities and preserving the Dutch advantage.
Late in the game, the Orioles managed to narrow the gap. Runs allowed by Wendell Floranus (1) and Jaydenn Estanista (2) helped Baltimore trim the deficit to 8–5.
However, the Dutch bullpen prevented any further comeback.
WBC Preparation Continues With Rays Matchup
Like most MLB Spring Training exhibitions, the latter innings featured numerous substitutions as both teams evaluated depth players.
The Orioles finished the game using three Minor League pitchers, while the Netherlands rotated through several roster candidates ahead of the World Baseball Classic.
With the 8–5 win, Team Kingdom of the Netherlands secured a strong opening statement in its WBC preparations.
The team continues its Florida exhibition schedule Wednesday against the Tampa Bay Rays in Port Charlotte. The matchup will be available worldwide on MLB.tv as the Free Game of the Day, starting at 19:05 CET (1:05 PM ET).