Aguilas Cibaeñas close to the top after defeating Estrellas Orientales
Santo Domingo – Jerar Encarnación led the Águilas Cibaeñas offense with three RBIs, while Elih Marrero contributed two RBIs in the 8-2 victory over the Estrellas Orientales, bringing the team closer to winning the regular season. The game took place this Sunday at the Tetelo Vargas Stadium.
With this result, the Eagles consolidate their position with a record of 29-13, just eight games away from the end of the schedule. If they secure first place, it would be their first regular season lead since the 2012-13 season.
The Estrellas took the lead in the first inning with a run, but the Águilas’ response was immediate. In the second inning, Elih Marrero hit a triple that tied the score against the Estrellas’ starting pitcher, Óscar de la Cruz.
Jean Carlos Henríquez pitched two scoreless innings, allowing only one hit, and earned his second win of the season. De la Cruz (3-3) took the loss, after allowing four runs.
Encarnación had an outstanding offensive performance, batting 5-3, with a run scored and three RBIs. Marrero went 4-1 with two RBIs, while Alberto Rodríguez finished 5-3, with two runs scored and one RBI.
The Eagles’ offense took control of the game in the third inning, scoring three runs that gave them a decisive lead. In the bottom of that same inning, a double by Rodolfo Castro drove in Raimel Tapia, scoring the second and last run for the Stars. The Stars now have a 9-12 home record and only one victory against the Eagles in their last ten matchups.
The Eagles’ rally began with a walk to Alfredo Reyes and a single by Steward Berroa. After a strikeout, Alberto Rodríguez hit a double that produced the tie-breaking run. Then, Jerar Encarnación drove in another with a single, and Aneury Tavárez added one more with a hit.
The Eagles extended their lead in the fifth inning with two additional runs, both driven in by hits. In the ninth inning, Encarnación sealed the victory with a single that drove in two runs, establishing the final score at 8-2.
