SAN FRANCISCO DE MACORÍS – Right-handed pitcher Travis Lakins delivered an outstanding performance from the mound, guiding the Leones del Escogido to a resounding 5-0 victory over the Gigantes del Cibao this Wednesday at the Julián Javier stadium.
With this triumph, the Lions consolidate their position at the top of the Round Robin, improving their record to 7-2.
Lakins (2-0) earned the victory after pitching 5.2 quality innings, allowing only two hits, giving up two walks and striking out four batters.
Scarlet Offensive Awakens
The Lions’ offense ignited in the third inning against starting pitcher Steve Moyers. Elier Hernández and Pedro Severino received walks to start the inning. A single by Jonathan Guzmán to left field placed runners on the corners, although Hernández was out at the plate.
Raimel Tapia hit an unstoppable shot to center to drive in the first run, allowing Guzmán to advance to third. After Moyers left, Tapia stole second base and Guzmán scored thanks to a ground ball by Erik González to first base. Sócrates Brito hit a double to right field, driving in the third run of the inning.
In the fourth episode, the Lions extended their lead against Antonio Santos. José Marmolejos opened with a double to right field and advanced to third on a groundout by Jorge Mateo. Pedro Severino hit a home run to left field, putting the score at 5-0.
Impeccable Relay
The Lions’ bullpen secured the shutout with performances by Jefry Yan (0.1), Hansel Marcelino (1.0, two strikeouts), Aneurys Zabala (1.0), and Stephen Nogosek (1.0).
Moyers (0-1) took the loss, being responsible for the three runs in the third inning. The Giants remain without a win in the postseason, with a record of 0-9.
Featured Offensive Players
On the offensive for the Lions, Raimel Tapia went 3-for-4, with a double, an RBI, a run scored, and a stolen base; Pedro Severino went 1-for-2, with a home run, two RBIs, two runs scored, and a walk; Socrates Brito, 1-for-4, with a double and an RBI; and Jose Marmolejos, 1-for-4, with a double and a run scored. For the Giants, Johan Rojas had two hits in four at-bats and Jose Siri went 1-for-3.
The Leones del Escogido will continue their tour this Thursday, when they face the Águilas Cibaeñas starting at 7:30 p.m. at the Cibao stadium, in Santiago.
