SANTO DOMINGO – A standout performance by debut pitcher Travis Lakins propelled the Leones del Escogido to a 4-1 victory over the Gigantes del Cibao this Friday in the first game of a doubleheader held at the Quisqueya Juan Marichal stadium.
Lakins, who had a solid five-inning outing allowing one run, earned the victory. The pitcher struck out five batters and conceded one walk, allowing only two hits.
The Escogido bullpen also played a crucial role, with Rolddy Muñoz, Jacob Barnes, Fernando Abad, and Jimmy Cordero combining to limit the Giants to a single hit. Cordero secured the save, retiring the three batters he faced.
Emilio Vargas was the losing pitcher, after allowing three runs in four innings.
How the Races Were Scored
The Giants scored their only run in the first inning, thanks to a double by Johan Rojas, who then advanced to third and scored on a groundout by Deyvison De los Santos.
The Escogido tied the game in the third inning, with a double by José Marmolejos, followed by a single by Chadwick Trump and a sacrifice fly by Jason Domínguez.
In the fourth inning, the Lions took the lead with consecutive singles by Héctor Rodríguez and Jorge Mateo, who scored thanks to a double by Gio Urshela.
Franchy Cordero added one more run for the home team in the sixth inning with a solo home run.
With this victory, the Escogido rises to second place in the standings with a record of 11-12. The Giants, for their part, remain in the basement with 8-13.
Urshela went 1-4 with a double and two RBIs; Cordero went 1-3 with a home run, one RBI and one run scored; Marmolejos went 1-3 with a double and a run scored, and Mateo went 1-3 with a run scored.
For the Giants, Rojas stood out with a double, a run scored, and a stolen base, and Kelvin Gutiérrez, 3-1.
The Lions and Giants will face each other again at 7:00 PM in the second game of the doubleheader.
