SAN FRANCISCO DE MACORÍS (Gigantes.do) – The Gigantes del Cibao achieved an exciting victory this Wednesday, coming back to defeat the Estrellas Orientales with a final score of 5-2. The match, part of the Dominican Winter Baseball Tournament dedicated to Juan Marichal and in option for the Banreservas Cup, kept the fans on the edge of their seats.
The key to the Giants’ triumph was an explosive four-run rally in the eighth inning, which changed the course of the game.
With the score 2-1 in favor of the Stars, the Giants took advantage of four walks and a hit to dramatically turn the game around. Marco Hernández, after being hit by a pitch with the bases loaded, drove in the tying run, a play that was confirmed after a review.
Carlos Franco, in the following play, negotiated a walk that allowed Eddinson Paulino to score the run that broke the tie. Johan Rojas added another run with a ground ball by Jordan Díaz, while José Torres scored the fourth run of the inning thanks to a sacrifice bunt by Hanser Alberto, extending the lead to 5-2.
Jake Farias was the starter for the Giants, pitching four innings and facing 16 batters. He allowed four hits, gave one walk and struck out five.
Yovanny Cruz (1-0) took the victory, pitching in the eighth inning with a walk and two strikeouts. Anderson Pilar (1) earned the save, retiring two of the three batters he faced in the ninth inning.
By the Stars, Esmil Rogers pitched 2.2 innings, allowing two hits, one earned run, three walks, and two strikeouts. Josh Green (0-1) took the loss, allowing three earned runs without recording any outs in the eighth inning.
Featured Offensives
By the Eastern Stars:
- Raimer Tapia: 4-1, double.
- Ángel Martínez: 3-1, scored, double and walk.
- Vidal Bruján: 4-1, scored.
- Carlos Durán: 3-3, double and two RBIs.
For the Gigantes del Cibao:
- Eddinson Paulino: 2-1, scored and two walks.
- Johan Rojas: 4-2, scored and driven in.
- Carlos Franco: two walks and one RBI.
- Jordan Díaz: driven in.
- José Torres, Marco Hernández and Kenny Piper: one run each.
Upcoming Meetings
The Dominican League will have a day off this Thursday, but the action will return on Friday with a historic tripleheader.
The Giants will visit the Eagles in Santiago.
The Stars will also play in Santiago.
Licey will face Toros in La Romana.
All games will start at 5:00 PM, an unprecedented event in the LIDOM.
After Wednesday’s game, the Eagles continue to lead the table with 17-3 and seven consecutive victories. They are followed by the Bulls (10-11), Escogido (10-12), Licey (10-14) and Gigantes (8-12).
