Druw Jones drove in both of the Netherlands’ runs in their 6-2 loss to Venezuela.
The game was a family affair for the Netherlands, with Andruw Jones managing the team and his son, Druw Jones, playing.
Jones Snr Manages His Son
Andruw Jones, who will enter the Baseball Hall of Fame this summer, is managing the team for the first time after playing for the Netherlands in 2006 and 2013. Druw Jones was the No. 2 overall pick in the 2022 Draft. The Diamondbacks prospect was selected to represent the Netherlands in this year’s World Baseball Classic.
“As soon as he knew he was managing, he let me know,” Druw said. “He was like, ‘Hey, man, if you’re going to be able to play, we’re going to have you on the roster.’ Of course I’m going to accept. I just had to wait on the team’s approval, and they were all backing it 100 percent.”
Jones Jnr Delivers At The Plate
Druw went 1-for-3 with a sacrifice fly, two RBIs and two strikeouts. The Netherlands managed only four hits all game against Ranger Suárez and five relievers.
Venezuela scored in the bottom of the first. As he stepped to the plate with runners at first and second and two outs, Druw hit a 2-2 sinker to left field, legging out a double to tie the game.
“A big opportunity for him to come out there with a big two-out base hit,” Andruw said. “It was fun.”
Father-Son Classic History
The Joneses are the third father-son manager/player duo in WBC history, joining the Dominican Republic’s Tony and Francisco Peña (2013) and Felipe and Moises Alou (2009). They’re also one of only four father-son duos in history to each play in a Classic.
Friday’s opener felt “like another baseball game” for Druw. He admitted that having his father on the bench leading the team is anything but routine.
“It’s different,” Druw said. “It’s aw