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Israel suffers first loss at World Baseball Classic
The squad was no match Monday for the hot bats of the Netherlands.
Photo: KAZUHIRO NOGI/AFP/Getty ImagesThe Israeli baseball team's improbable win streak was halted Monday as they fell to the Netherlands 12-2 in the World Baseball Classic.
The team, making its WBC debut and the last to qualify for the 16-team tournament, had won its opening round pool and its first four games, surprising many who had pegged them for early elimination.
Instead, they've exceeded expectations, knocking off Korea in extra innings, before shocking Chinese Taipei, the Netherlands and Cuba.
One of the few bright spots on the day for Israel was this home run by Nate Freiman. (Photo: Matt Roberts/Getty Images)
Israel still has a chance at redemption, however. On Wednesday they take on host country Japan and can still advance to the final round of the tournament.
The championship takes place in Los Angeles on March 22.
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