Baseball fans rejoice after Netherlands shines in World Baseball Classic pool play:"And that is 2 for 2..!!! What a team…!"

In the group stage play held at Taichung Intercontinental Baseball Stadium, the matchup between the Netherlands and Panama in the World Baseball Classic was a stellar defensive battle. As the Netherlands topped Panama 2-0 in pool play, baseball fans are rejoicing at a brilliant start.

"The Netherlands starts 2-0 in pool play!" - Talkin' Baseball

Fans took to Twitter to come up with celebratory responses, hailing the European team.

There were a group of supporters who praised Xander Bogaerts for giving his nation a 1-0 lead with a solo home run.

Together with Bogaerts, MLB player Jurickson Profar added to the Netherlands' cushion with another home run in the fifth inning.

Previously, the Netherlands defeated Cuba 4-2 in the 2023 WBC opener.

---

When will the Netherlands play next in the World Baseball Classic?

WBC Pool A: Panama v Netherlands: TAICHUNG, TAIWAN - MARCH 09: Xander Bogaerts (L) #2 of Team Netherlands celebrates with Chadwick Tromp (R) #14 of Team Netherlands after winning the WBC Pool A game between Panama and Netherlands at Taichung Intercontinental Baseball Stadium on March 09, 2023, in Taichung, Taiwan. (Photo by Gene Wang/Getty Images)

The Netherlands will play Chinese Taipei on Saturday at 6 a.m. ET, while Panama will play Italy on Saturday at 11 p.m. ET.

"Two teams will advance, three will go home. Who will come out of Pool A?" - World Baseball Classic

The winner and runners-up from Pool A will advance to face the top teams from Pool B in the WBC quarterfinals in Tokyo.

With the 2023 edition of the Classic reportedly being the most viewed edition in its history, the tournament is shaping up to provide some top-class entertainment.