Lakins Shines on the Mound: Leones del Escogido Shutout Gigantes del Cibao
SAN FRANCISCO DE MACORÍS – Right-handed pitcher Travis Lakins delivered an outstanding performance from the mound, guiding the Leones del Escogido to a 5-0 shutout victory over the Gigantes del Cibao, in a game held 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 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, taking advantage of Steve Moyers’ opening. After receiving walks Elier Hernández and Pedro Severino, Jonathan Guzmán hit a single to left field, bringing runners to the corners. Although Hernandez was retired at the plate, Raimel Tapia drove in the first run with a single to center, advancing Guzman to third. After Moyers left, Tapia stole second base, and Guzman scored thanks to a groundout by Erik Gonzalez to first. Socrates Brito added a double to right field, driving in the third run of the inning. In the fourth episode, the Lions continued their attack against Antonio Santos. José Marmolejos started with a double, advancing to third after a groundout by Jorge Mateo. Pedro Severino hit a home run to left field, extending the lead to 5-0.Effective Relief and Defeat for the Giants
The Lions’ bullpen maintained the shutout with performances by Jefry Yan (0.1), Hansel Marcelino (1.0, two strikeouts), Aneurys Zabala (1.0), and Stephen Nogosek (1.0). The loss went to Moyers (0-1), responsible for the three runs in the third chapter. The Giants, for their part, have yet to achieve victories in the postseason, with a record of 0-9.Offensive Highlights
Raimel Tapia led the Lions’ offense, batting 4-3, with a double, an RBI, a run scored, and a stolen base. Pedro Severino hit a home run, driving in two runs and scoring twice. Socrates Brito hit a double and drove in a run, and José Marmolejos hit a double.For the Giants, Johan Rojas connected two hits in four at-bats, and José Sirí hit 1-for-3.
The Leones del Escogido will continue their tour this Thursday, facing the Águilas Cibaeñas starting at 7:30 p.m. at the Cibao stadium, in Santiago.
