SAN FRANCISCO DE MACORÍS – Luis García Jr. had an exceptional night, going 4-4, including a home run, while Gary Sánchez also hit a home run and drove in four runs. The Gigantes del Cibao defeated the Toros del Este with a score of 11-8 in the second game of the doubleheader held this Tuesday, in the continuation of the 2025-2026 Dominican Baseball League championship, dedicated to Juan Marichal and in option for the Banreservas Cup.
With this victory, the Giants consolidated the sweep, after their 8-1 triumph in the first game, improving their record to 19-25 and adding their second consecutive victory.
Despite the defeat, the Toros del Este secured their postseason qualification, becoming the second team to make it through.
Pitching Analysis
Miller Hogan, the opening pitcher, worked two innings, allowing two hits, four earned runs, giving three walks, striking out three batters, and conceding two home runs.
The loss went to Manuel Mercedes (0-1), who couldn’t retire batters in the eighth inning, allowing a hit, three earned runs, and two walks.
In relief, Bryan Rodríguez pitched 3.2 innings, allowing four hits, three earned runs, with two walks, four strikeouts, and one home run.
The save went to Anderson Pilar (5), who struck out the three batters he faced in the ninth inning.
Highlights in the Offensive
For the Toros del Este, Gilberto Celestino went 2-for-4 with a run scored and a walk. Allan Castro hit a home run and drove in two runs, going 1-for-5. Socrates Brito went 2-for-4 with two doubles, a run scored, an RBI, and a walk. Jeimer Candelario hit a home run and drove in three runs, going 1-for-4.
Regarding the Gigantes del Cibao, in addition to García Jr. and Sánchez, Leury García stood out with a 4-1, a run scored, a run batted in, and a walk. Pablo Reyes scored a run and received two walks.
Upcoming Meetings
This Wednesday, the Giants will visit the Toros del Este in La Romana. The Leones del Escogido will face the Águilas Cibaeñas in Santiago, and the Estrellas Orientales will face the Tigres del Licey in Santo Domingo, all games scheduled for 7:30 p.m.
LIDOM will have a day off on Thursday, prior to the last weekend of the regular season, which concludes next Tuesday.
The Giants will play on Friday in San Pedro de Macorís (7:30 p.m.), will receive the Escogido on Saturday (7:30 p.m.) and will close the regular series on Sunday visiting the Leones (5:00 p.m.).
