SAN PEDRO DE MACORÍS – A crucial three-run home run by Jerar Encarnación in the first inning was the turning point that gave the Águilas Cibaeñas the victory over the Estrellas de Oriente with a score of 4-3, in an exciting match held this Saturday at the Tetelo Vargas Stadium, corresponding to the 2025-2026 Dominican Baseball League (LIDOM) Tournament.
The Eagles set the course of the game from the start, accumulating a four-run rally in the first inning, an advantage they maintained throughout the match.
Leody Taveras started the offense with a double, advancing to third after a single by Ezequiel Durán, and then scoring thanks to a hit by Geraldo Perdomo. Next, Encarnación hit his three-run home run to center field, culminating the Aguilas’ attack.
With this triumph, the yellow team improved its record to 31-16, consolidating itself as the undisputed leader of the tournament. Already classified for the semifinals and champions of the regular season, the Eagles also raised their away record to 15-9.
For their part, the Estrellas saw a four-game winning streak interrupted, dropping to 22-26 and remaining in third place in the standings, tied with the Leones del Escogido and just half a game above Tigres del Licey and Gigantes del Cibao.
Meeting Decisions
Yoán López (1-0) took the victory, while Zach Mort (0-1) took the loss. Jean Carlos Henríquez secured his first save of the season.
Career Development
The Estrellas responded in the bottom of the second inning with two runs. After singles by Rodolfo Castro and Ismael Munguía, and a walk to Jorge Mateo, Josh Lester drove in a run with a walk, and Munguía scored the second run of the inning on a double play.
The eastern team approached again in the fifth chapter (4-3) when Vidal Bruján received a walk, stole second and scored on a run-scoring single by Raimel Tapia.
Hill work
The Eagles’ opener, Devin Smeltzer, pitched 2.1 innings, allowing two runs, three hits, and two walks, with two strikeouts. The Eagles’ relief held control of the game with performances by Deury Carrasco, Jordhany Mézquita, Brady Feigl, Yoán López, Carlos Peña, Jeurys Familia, Jonathan Hernández, and Jean Carlos Henríquez, who closed the ninth inning.
By the Stars, Zach Mort was punished with four runs without recording outs. Subsequently, Román Méndez, J.P. Woodward, Domingo Tapia, Raffi Vizcaíno, Zac Kristofak, Junior Santos, and Carlos Belén paraded through the mound.
Offensive Summary
In the offensive aspect of the Eagles, Jerar Encarnación led with a home run, a single and three RBIs; Leody Taveras went 2-for-3 with a run and two walks; Geraldo Perdomo drove in a run, while Ezequiel Durán and Steward Berroa each hit a single.
By the Stars, Raimel Tapia stood out with a 4-3 and an RBI; Ismael Munguía, also with a 4-3; Josh Lester drove in a run, and Rodolfo Castro and Robinson Canó contributed singles.
Next match
The Águilas Cibaeñas and the Estrellas de Oriente will face each other again this Sunday at the Cibao Stadium, starting at 4:00 in the afternoon.
