Santo Domingo – Las Águilas Cibaeñas maintained their dominance in the 2025-2026 season of the Dominican Republic Professional Baseball League (LIDOM) by defeating the Leones del Escogido 5-2 this Tuesday at the Quisqueya Juan Marichal Stadium, in the first game of a doubleheader.
This triumph propelled the Eagles to a 30-13 record, solidifying their position at the top of the championship with an impressive 16-5 home record and 14-8 on the road. On the other hand, the defeat left the Lions in last place, with a 19-25 mark.
Party Decision
Jhordany Mézquita (3-0) took the victory, while Génesis Cabrera (1-1) took the loss. Burch Smith secured his sixth save of the campaign.
Game Development
The Eagles opened the scoring in the fifth inning when Alfredo Reyes hit a single to center field, advanced to third on a pitcher’s error, and scored thanks to a wild pitch.
The Lions quickly tied the score at the end of the episode with a solo home run by Jonatan Guzmán, but the Eagles regained control with a four-run rally in the seventh inning.
After walks to Webster Rivas and Alfredo Reyes, Leody Taveras drove in the tiebreaking run. Jerar Encarnación and Alberto Rodríguez added runs with back-to-back singles, and Robert Moore closed out the production with a groundout that brought in the fifth run.
The Leones scored in the eighth, when Erick González scored from first base after a double by Yainer Díaz, establishing the final score at 5-2.
Starters
The young eagle opener Jorge Tavárez had an outstanding performance, pitching five innings and allowing one run, four hits, two walks and striking out two, without getting a decision.
For the Leones, Cuban Norge Ruiz worked four scoreless innings, allowing three hits, two walks, and two strikeouts.
Relay
The Eagles’ bullpen featured José Cuás, Jhordany Mézquita, Junior Fernández, Richard Rodríguez and Burch Smith. For the Lions, Hansel Marcelino, Aneurys Zabala, Génesis Cabrera, Diógenes Almengó, Carlos Teller and Héctor Neris pitched.
Highlights on the Offensive
Alberto Rodríguez led the Eagles’ offense with a 5-3 performance, including a triple and an RBI. Robert Moore went 2-for-3, with an RBI, while Leody Taveras and Jerar Encarnación each contributed an RBI.
For the Leones, Jonatan Guzmán hit a home run and a single, with one run batted in; Yainer Díaz went 2-for-4, with a double and one RBI; and Erick González added two hits.
Next Match
Right-handed pitcher Luis Patiño will be the starting pitcher for the Águilas Cibaeñas in the second game of the doubleheader.
