Holy Cow! Dutch shock Dominicans in World Baseball opener

Dutch baseball had its greatest moment on Saturday in Puerto Rico.

Led by veteran right hander Sidney Ponson (1-0), the Netherlands built a 3-0 lead in the first inning and hung on from there to beat a star-studded Dominican lineup 3-2.

Closer Leon Boyd, a Canadian whose mother is Dutch, picked up the save with a scoreless ninth after Ponson had held the Dominicans in check for the first 70 pitches of the game he was allowed under the opening round rules.

Boyd walked the first batter he faced, Willy Tavares, who then moved into scoring position following a fielder's choice. With Hanley Ramirez at the plate, Tavares was then thrown out by catcher Kenley Jansen trying to steal third.

Ramirez walked and designated hitter Jose Bautista came to the plate representing the Dominican's final chance at avoiding the upset. Boyd worked the hitter to 0-2, wasted a pitch then wrapped up the game on a called strike.

Edison Volquez (0-1) took the loss for the Dominican Republic.