Yurendell De Caster scored a single for the Dutch with the bases loaded in the bottom of the 10th, as his side triumphed with a 3-2 victory.

Pitcher Loek Van Mil was in superb form for the hosts in the final two innings, as he shut out Spain and did not allow them to get on the board.

The Dutch, the world number 10 side and defending champions, went through the entire tournament undefeated with nine victories and no losses.

Their run to the final included a 6-5 extra-inning victory over Italy, the top-ranked European country who are currently rated as being the ninth best side in the world.

However, the Dutch are set to now climb above the Italians in the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) rankings following their success.

It means that The Netherlands have won the Confederation of European Baseball event for the 22nd time in their history, while Spain had to settle for silver after appearing in their first final since 1965, when they won gold. 

The final was a dramatic day for Dutch outfielder Kalian Sams, who had to race to the stadium following the birth of his son.

"I haven’t slept in 48 hours, but this is the best day of my life, I’m a European champion and father," he said.

Italy finished third in the 12-team tournament, ahead of Germany who were fourth and fifth-place Czech Republic.

Dutch shortstop Stijn van der Meer was named as most valuable player.