The Netherlands wasted little time making its presence felt at the 2017 World Baseball Classic, thanks to some timely hits and flashy defense from its Major League players.
Rangers infielder/outfielder Jurickson Profar launched a two-run home run to right field in the bottom of the first inning, giving the Netherlands an early lead in its Pool A opener against host Korea at the Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul. Profar's blast, which came on a 3-1 fastball, scored Angels shortstop Andrelton Simmons, who led off the inning with a single.
Red Sox shortstop Xander Bogaerts followed with a triple down the right-field line, though Korea starting pitcher Kyumin Woo was able to settle in and record three straight outs to prevent further damage.