AMSTERDAM — Aruba is celebrating another championship on the international baseball stage as Christian Diaz and Ryan Huntington have been crowned Dutch national champions with Curaçao Neptunus.

Neptunus completed an impressive sweep of Amsterdam Pirates in the 2026 Holland Series, winning four consecutive games to capture the 22nd Dutch championship in club history.

A Dominant Holland Series
Curaçao Neptunus entered the best-of-seven Holland Series against Amsterdam Pirates looking to successfully defend its championship, and the Rotterdam club quickly took control.

Neptunus opened the series with a dramatic 6-5 victory in Rotterdam. The Pirates made a late push in the ninth inning, but Huntington was called from the bullpen to help secure the final outs and preserve the victory.

Game 2 was another battle, this time in Amsterdam. With the score tied 6-6 after eight innings, Neptunus exploded for four runs in the ninth to win 10-6 and take a commanding 2-0 series advantage.

Huntington again played an important role on the mound and was credited with the victory.

The series returned to Rotterdam for Game 3, where Neptunus produced its most convincing performance yet with an 8-1 victory.

This time, Diaz delivered one of the biggest hits of the game.

With the bases loaded in the fifth inning, Diaz drove in three runs, helping Neptunus break the game open. He later came around to score himself as Neptunus built a 6-0 advantage on its way to the victory.

That performance moved Neptunus to within one victory of the championship.

Aruba Represented in Another Championship
Diaz has long been one of Aruba's recognizable baseball representatives in the Netherlands, and adding another championship is another achievement in his career.

Huntington also made his presence felt throughout the postseason, giving Neptunus an important left-handed option on the mound. His appearances during the Holland Series included helping close out the opening victory and earning the win in Game 2.

Their contributions helped Neptunus complete the job and add another championship trophy to one of the most successful organizations in Dutch baseball history.

With the sweep of Amsterdam Pirates, Curaçao Neptunus has now captured its 22nd Dutch national championship, further extending its record as the most successful club in the country's top baseball competition.

Pabien Chris and Ryan on becoming 2026 Honkbal Hoofdklasse Champions!