Gigantes del Cibao Advance to Round Robin: They Defeat Licey and Secure Third Place

SANTO DOMINGO – Los Gigantes del Cibao achieved a crucial victory over the Tigres del Licey with a score of 3-2, securing their spot in the Round Robin in the 2025-26 LIDOM tournament, dedicated to Juan Marichal and in dispute of the Banreservas Cup. The key hit came in the tenth inning, thanks to a double by Hanser Alberto to left field, driving in the run that defined the game.

Giant Victory in the Regular Season

With this triumph, the fourth consecutive, the Gigantes del Cibao finished the Regular Series in third position with a record of 24-26, surpassing the Leones del Escogido and guaranteeing their place in the Round Robin. The decisive run came with two outs, when Alberto hit a solid hit that allowed Jorge Bonifacio to score from second base. This unstoppable hit represented number 298 in the LIDOM for Hanser Alberto, positioning him as the third player with the most hits in the history of the franchise, only behind Alexis Casilla (348) and Moisés Sierra (303).

Featured Performances at the Montículo

In the mound aspect, Cristian Allegretti had an outstanding performance with three scoreless innings, allowing only two hits and striking out two batters. Hansel Robles (1-0) took the victory after pitching the ninth inning, while Víctor López secured the save by dominating the tenth with two strikeouts. The loss went to Reydis Sena (0-1).

Offensive Figures

Gigantes del Cibao:

• Melvin Mercedes: 4-1, scored, walk
• Hanser Alberto: 5-1, double, one RBI
• Kelvin Gutiérrez: 3-1, one RBI
• Samad Taylor: 4-2, double
• Diego Hernández: 4-1
• Jorge Bonifacio: 3-0, walk and scored

Tigres del Licey:

• Yamal Encarnación: 5-2, double
• Michael De León: 5-1
• Cristhian Adames: 1-1, double
• Yerald Nin: 4-1, triple and one run
• Arístides Aquino: 3-1, one RBI, two walks
• Samuel Muñoz: 4-1, double, one run, one RBI and two walks

Final Ranking and Upcoming Matches

After concluding the Regular Season, the final standings were defined as follows:

• Aguilas Cibaeñas (32-16)
• Toros del Este (26-22)
• Gigantes del Cibao (24-26)
• Leones del Escogido (23-27)

Estrellas Orientales (22-28) and Tigres del Licey (21-29) were eliminated. The Round Robin will begin this Saturday, with the Giants visiting the Toros del Este at the Francisco Micheli Stadium in La Romana, starting at 7:30 PM. On Sunday they will receive the Águilas Cibaeñas, on Monday the Leones del Escogido and on Tuesday they will face Santo Domingo, before the New Year’s break.