In an exciting match at the Quisqueya Juan Marichal Stadium, the Águilas Cibaeñas won 4-1 against the Leones del Escogido, ending their undefeated streak in the 2025-2026 semifinal series of the Dominican Baseball League.
The Eagles’ starting pitcher, Óscar De la Cruz, was the key figure of the game. He dominated the opposing offense for six scoreless innings, allowing only two hits, with one walk and four strikeouts. He held the game hitless until the fifth inning, demonstrating remarkable control and efficiency by facing only 20 batters.
The Eagles’ offense was forceful from the start, with a three-run rally in the first inning. Leody Taveras, after negotiating a walk and stealing second, scored thanks to a single by Ezequiel Durán. Aderlín Rodríguez also hit a single, and Jonathan Clase drove in another run with a single. An error by the right fielder allowed Rodríguez to score the third run of the inning, knocking starting pitcher José Urquidy out of the game.
In the third episode, Cristhian Adames, after receiving a walk and stealing second, scored on a single by Aderlín Rodríguez, extending the lead to 4-0.
The Lions avoided the shutout in the eighth inning, when José Marmolejos hit a double and scored thanks to a single by Franchy Cordero, leaving the final score 4-1.
Following De la Cruz’s departure, Jonathan Hernández pitched a scoreless inning in the seventh. Carlos Belén allowed a run in the eighth and was relieved by Andrew Pérez, who managed to quell a threat with the bases loaded and one out. Burch Smith took care of the ninth, retiring the side without complications to secure the victory.
For the Leones, José Urquidy allowed three runs (one unearned) and three hits in just two-thirds of an inning.
Aderlín Rodríguez: Offensive Leader of the Eagles
Aderlín Rodríguez led the Aguilas offense by hitting 5-4, with one RBI and one run scored. Ezequiel Durán and Jonathan Clase each contributed one RBI.
For the Leones, Raimel Tapia went 3-for-4; José Marmolejos hit a double; Franchy Cordero drove in a run and Jorge Mateo singled.
Geraldo Perdomo: Impactful Return
In his first game back with the Águilas, shortstop Geraldo Perdomo hit two hits in four at-bats, showing his offensive impact.
Brilliant Defense
Cristhian Adames shined in the infield with several high-level defensive plays.
With this victory, the Eagles improved their record to 3-3, getting closer to second place in the Round Robin. The Lions, despite the defeat, maintain the lead with a 5-1 record.
The win went to Óscar De la Cruz (1-0), the loss to José Urquidy (0-1), and the save to Burch Smith.
The Águilas Cibaeñas will receive the Leones del Escogido again this Sunday at the Cibao Stadium, in a game scheduled to start at 4:00 p.m.
