By Scott Barancik, Editor
Backed by an error-free performance, Israel defeated the Netherlands 6-2 in World Baseball Classic action on March 10. Though the win was sweet—featuring a dramatic five-run 6th inning that erased a 2-0 deficit—both teams had already been mathematically eliminated from advancing to the next round. Israel finished the 2026 tournament with a 2-2 record, good for third place among five teams in Pool D.
At the Plate
3B Jake Gelof (Dodgers/High-A) was the hero of the finale, going 2-for-4 with 3 RBIs, including a 2-run single that gave Israel the lead.
Among other highlights: CF RJ Schreck (Blue Jays/AAA) hit a game-tying single in the 6th, 1B Matt Mervis doubled twice and drove in 2 runs on Israel’s two hardest-hit balls of the game, and RF Noah Mendlinger (Cardinals/AA) reached base three times and scored twice.
On the Mound
On the mound, starter Carlos Lequerica (Tigers/High-A) yielded 2 runs in the 1st inning, after which a parade of seven relievers combined for eight scoreless frames.
RHP Harrison Cohen (Yankees/AAA) was the standout, striking out five of the six batters he faced over two perfect innings.
Postscript
Cohen, Mervis and Gelof answered reporters’ questions after the game.
With its 3rd-place finish, Israel secured an automatic berth in the 2030 World Baseball Classic.
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