Cibao Eagles Defeat Escogido Lions and Break Their Undefeated Streak
In an exciting match of the 2025-2026 Dominican Baseball League semifinal series, the Águilas Cibaeñas defeated the Leones del Escogido with a score of 4-1 at the Quisqueya Juan Marichal Stadium. The victory ended the undefeated streak of the melenudos. The key to the Aguilucho’s success was a solid opening by pitcher Óscar De la Cruz, combined with a timely offense that connected 11 hits.Brilliant Performance by Óscar De la Cruz
Óscar De la Cruz emerged as the star figure of the game by pitching six scoreless innings. During his performance, he only allowed two hits, gave up one walk, and struck out four batters. He kept the game hitless until the fifth inning, demonstrating remarkable control and efficiency. He faced only 20 batters, two more than the minimum.Aggressive Eagles Offensive
The Eagles’ offense proved incisive 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. Then, Aderlín Rodríguez hit a single, and Jonathan Clase produced an additional run. 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, the Eagles extended their lead. Cristhian Adames received a walk, stole second, and scored on a single by Aderlín Rodríguez, making the score 4-0.Lions’ Reaction
The Lions avoided the shutout in the eighth inning. José Marmolejos hit a double and scored thanks to a single by Franchy Cordero, leaving the final score 4-1.Game Analysis
With this victory, the Eagles improved their record to 3-3, achieving their second consecutive win and getting closer to second place in the Round Robin, currently occupied by the Toros del Este (3-2). The Lions, despite the defeat, maintain the lead with a 5-1 record. Óscar De la Cruz (1-0) took the victory, José Urquidy (0-1) took the loss, and Burch Smith got the save.Highlights in the Montículo
After De la Cruz’s departure, Jonathan Hernández threw a scoreless inning in the seventh. Carlos Belén allowed a run in the eighth, and was relieved by Andrew Pérez, who stifled a threat with bases loaded and one out. Burch Smith retired the ninth without complications to secure the victory.For the Leones, Urquidy allowed three runs (one unearned) and three hits in just two-thirds of an inning. The relief was handled by Patrick Halligan, Grant Gavin, Jefry Yan, Alexander Colomé, Héctor Neris, Aneurys Zabala, Carlos Teller, and Stephen Nogosek.
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