Aguilas Cibaeñas to Semifinals: Shutout Leones 5-0 and Secure Spot

Santo Domingo – Las Águilas Cibaeñas have secured a spot in the semifinal of the Juan Marichal tournament, after defeating the Leones del Escogido with a score of 5-0 at the Cibao Stadium. The match was affected by delays due to electrical problems.

Key Figures in the Victory

Ezequiel Durán and Corey Joyce led the offense for the Águilas, each driving in two runs. Starting pitcher Jorge Tavárez (3-1) delivered a solid performance of five innings, allowing only two hits, one walk, and one strikeout, earning him the win. Burch Smith secured the save, the fifth of the season, entering in a critical moment with the bases loaded in the ninth inning. Samuel Reyes (0-1) took the loss for the Escogido, after allowing a run in one and a third innings.

Eagles Secure Their Spot in the Postseason

With this victory, the Cibao team guarantees its presence in the postseason for the second consecutive year. Now, with a record of 28-11, the team focuses on winning the regular season, an achievement they haven’t reached since the 2012-2013 season. On the other hand, the Leones del Escogido, the current champions, fall to 16-24, which complicates their aspirations in the regular season, leaving them with only 10 games remaining.

Game Development

The Eagles’ attack began early:

• 3rd inning: Robert Moore opened with a double and was driven in by a single from Ezequiel Durán, putting the score at 1-0. In this episode, manager Luis Urueta and catcher Elih Marrero were ejected after arguing umpire decisions.
• 4th inning: After an error that allowed Jerar Encarnación to get on base, Juan Lagares hit a single and Corey Joyce drove in two runs with a double to center field, extending the lead to 3-0.
• 5th inning: Moore received a walk, stole second, and scored thanks to another single from Durán, who added his second RBI of the game (4-0).
• 7th inning: Encarnación hit a single, advanced on a passed ball, and Wilmer Difó, who replaced him as a runner, scored on a “balk” by pitcher Carlos Teller, establishing the final score of 5-0.

Dramatic Finish in the Ninth

José Cuas entered the ninth inning for the Águilas, but loaded the bases after issuing walks to Sócrates Brito, Franchy Cordero, and Luis de los Santos. Manager Joel Noboa called on closer Burch Smith, who struck out Alexander Canario and completed the shutout by forcing an out at second after a ground ball by Jonathan Guzmán.

Impeccable Relay

After Tavárez’s performance, relievers Jean Carlos Henríquez, Jonathan Hernández and Richard Rodríguez kept the score intact from the sixth to the eighth inning, leaving the stage set for Smith’s save.